Mom's Apprentice

CNY Panic

2012-01-07T19:58:00.003+08:00

Yesterday while I was checking my table calendar in office, I realised that Chinese New year is in two weeks. I sort of panic cause I haven't take my leave, plan my cny bakes, haven't pack for my trip (I am going to Alor Setar for the CNY). And eventhough I won't be celebrating the new year here, I still have to bake for giveaway.

So, tomorrow I will start with Peanut cookies and I will have to cramp the other bakes all next weekend!! Gawd, I am just not ready for chinese new year yet!! Hahaha.

Today's Bake; Egg Tarts & Brownies

2011-10-22T16:06:00.003+08:00

I took leave today cause I was feeling tired and lazy. Cause I had been spending a lot of time reading a harry potter fan fic (very good fic indeed) and thought I might be able to take the day off, reading more fic. But i ended up baking egg tarts and brownies since this morning. What the hell! Hahaha. (recipes can be found here and here!)

Mama asked me why did I always bake during my off days. I told her that i would feel weird if I don't bake something. It's true. It's as much a part of my life as breathing and sleeping. All right, maybe i exaggerated a bit there but that's how much I love baking. :D

Today's bake is nothing new. I felt like eating some egg tarts and the last time I made a batch was probably sometime during the beginning of the year or something.

And for the brownies? It is a request from my dear old friend, Jacelyn. She insisted on paying for it and being my first customer but I guess I will try and see if I can convince her not to pay. hmm.... Anyhow, as I was mixing up my brownies this afternoon, I can feel that this brownies is gonna be just perfect. I don't know how I know but I just know. :D I also added 2 tbsp of kahlua.

Anyway, I have to go shower and off to meet the ladies! Hope they like my bake~

Have a great weekend everyone!

Chocolate-Chocolate Chunk Muffins

2011-10-21T22:36:00.008+08:00

For the past months, I had been using Nigella's chocolate muffins recipe whenever i anyone request for chocolate muffins. Seems that some of my friends love it although to be honest, the chocolate doesn't feel enough for me. So this one, this recipe posted by Browneyedbaker had long since caught my eyes. The result is not disappointing. They are very chocolatey. The only thing to be blame was that I reduce the amount of sugar to 1/2 cup, therefore resulting in a less sweet muffin. I certainly would not reduce the sugar again the next time I make this. And yes, I will surely make this again and again and again and...

Well, let's just get on with the recipe, shall we?

Recipe is as below (copy from Ms Browneyedbaker -please do visit her lovely site)

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients:
¾ stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1¼ cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter or spray the 12 molds in a regular-size muffin pan or fit with paper muffin cups. Place the muffin pan on a baking sheet.

2. Melt the butter and half the chopped chocolate together in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove from the heat.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg and vanilla extract together until well combined. Pour the liquid ingredients and the melted butter and chocolate over the dry ingredients and, with the whisk or a rubber spatula, gently but quickly stir to blend. Do not overmix the batter. Stir in the remaining chopped chocolate. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

4. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a thin knife inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing each muffin from its mold.

Mixed dry ingredients together

Whisk the wet ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients + melted butter + melted chocolate into the big bowl of dry ingredients

Fold in chopped chocolates

Into the muffin cup they go~

My notes:
1. Her recipe calls for 2/3 cup of sugar. I used 1/2 cup of brown sugar instead. I would advise, don't reduce the sugar!!!

2. I think adding some chocolate chips would make the muffins even more heavenly!!

3. I use 190 degrees C.

4. I do not have buttermilk so i used 1 tbsp of white vinegar plus milk to make a cup. Let is stand for about 5 to 10 mins before using.

Happy Birthday to Sin Cheah

2011-09-10T23:46:00.002+08:00

A birthday cake for Sin Cheah :D

We were lazy and used can whipped cream instead so.... the result did seem a bit sloppy. Pei Hwan sponsored the fruits and her mother help with the arrangements.

Japanese Cotton cheesecake [original recipe]

2011-09-10T23:45:00.017+08:00

After the first attempt at the cheesecake, I decided to try again, this time with the original recipe. No reduction. The one with the 4 eggs.

Recipe refer to Passionate about Baking, adapted from Alex's Goh recipe.

More familiar with the steps this time, I took some pictures along the way =b

Ingredients:
(A) 160g Cream Cheese, 25g Butter, 120g Milk
(B) 40g Flour, 30g Cornflour
(C) 4 Egg yolks
(D) 4 Egg whites, 1/8tsp Cream of Tartar, 100g Sugar, pinch of Salt

Method:

1. Grease and line the bottom of two 20-cm oval pans. Wrap outside of the pans in foil.
2. Place (A) in mixing bowl and stir over double-boiler until thick. Remove it from double-boiler.
3. Add (B) and mix until well combined. Add (C) and mix until well blended.
4. Whip the egg whites in (D) until foamy. Then add the remaining (D). Continue whipping until soft peaks. Add it into the cheese mixture from step (3).
5. Pour the cheese filling onto the prepared oval pans. Bake in water bath at 160C for 40-45 minutes or until well incorporated.
6. Remove cake from the oven. Remove the cake from the mould immediately. Set aside to cool.

Notes:
1. I reduced the sugar to 90g.
2. I sieved the mixture after step 3.
3. I used 150C and must have probably took at least 2 hours to bake =_= I am not sure what I did wrong. It was still moist whenever i tested the cake.
4. I cover the top of my cake loosely with an aluminium foil as soon as I saw that the top is golden brown in colour, which is after, about 35 mins.
5. I used hot boiling water for the water bath.
6. I used a 8 inch round cake tin, greased the bottom and side of the cake tin and line paper at the bottom only.
7. For step 6, I used a small spatula to run between the cake and tin, and leave the cake to cool inside the tin.

This egg separator makes life a little easier for separating eggs.

The cream cheese mixture before sieved.

sieved them nice and slow =b

see how they become smoother now?

Beating egg white till soft peak

Poured them into my 8 inch cake tin

Ah, yes. The sponge is definitely taller than first attempt. :D

Japanese cotton cheesecake (75% of original recipe)

2011-09-10T23:36:00.013+08:00

I had never made any sponge related cake before cause I have this phobia. Okay, maybe phobia is a little too much. But I am really really scared that my cake would collapse, too dense or dry or... that's why I had always made muffin. Cause they are easy.

My friend encouraged me to try. My mom as well, she told me that she used to make countless failed butter cake until she was eventually satisfied. Oh, she never follow recipe and only estimate by eyes.

So why started with Cotton cheesecake, you might ask? Well, I really want to make a dessert that my family would like. My parents are not big fan of chocolate and I remembered my younger brother told me he prefer light cheesecake compared to those heavier type.

I chose this recipe from wendyywy, who adapted from Alex Goh. Her cakes look really pretty and told. I also refer to another site from The Little Teochew which I find is very very helpful especially for a beginner like me. She offers several tips and tricks. Really really really helpful!

Baked this cake nearly 2 weeks ago but was too busy to post.

Wendy's recipe only calls for 3 eggs. She reduced the ingredients slightly for her 8 inch round cake tin. I only follow her cake recipe and did not do any topping like she did. Please visit her page for her fruit topping's instructions.

Ingredients:
125gm cream cheese

90ml milk

15gm butter

30gm flour

24gm cornstarch

3 egg yolks

3 egg whites
pinch of salt

1/8 tsp cream of tartar

75gm sugar

Methods:
1. In a heavy saucepan, cook cream cheese, milk and butter until thick and smooth. Set aside.

2. Preheat oven at 160C. Boil some water.

3. After the cheese mixture has turned warm and mix in both flours. Stir with a whisk until smooth.

4. Put egg yolks into the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.

5. In another clean bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Put in cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks, add in sugar gradually and beat until stiff (soft droopy peak that will hold its form).

6. Fold 1/4 of egg whites into cheese mixture, and then another 1/4 of the egg whites.

7. Pour the cheese mixture into the remaining egg whites and fold.

8. Pour batter into a lined pan (you can just line the base and grease the sides, it's not a must to line the sides as well. Springform or regular pan will be fine, but spring form's base must be wrapped.)

9. Place cake pan into a slightly bigger, shallower pan. Fill the bigger pan with boiling water and put in oven to bake at 150C for 45 minutes.

10. Unmould cake immediately upon removal from oven, if not, the cake will shrink a lot. (If you're using a regular pan you can release the sides by running a knife between the cake and pan, and leave the cake in the pan to cool down).

Note:
1. I reduced sugar to 60g which is just right for my family's standard. They don't like it too sweet.
2. I follow Wendy's instruction all the way. Except I sieved the mixture just as Little Teochew advised after step 4 above.
3. I used double boiler method to melt my butter, cheese and mixture in step 1.
4. I was really slow and preparation alone took me one and a half hour! Haha

The outcome of my cake is quite short. Slightly over 1 inches only. For a first timer, I think I might have done something wrong somewhere. I am not sure. But the texture and taste are great. They are soft and cottony. My family love it. So was my brother, who is very picky at food. I cut out 2 small pieces for my fren, Hwan and she told me she loved it! :)

Such great joy when someone tell you that he/she loves your desserts.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

2011-08-07T19:33:00.006+08:00

I bought a packet of dried cranberries last weekend (cause I love cranberries) and thought I could make good use of them for baking. I was initially planning to bake cookies but I woke up at almost noon today. And I was too lazy to take out my electric beater. So I settle for muffins. I had been eye-ing this recipe from Pam for a while now. And I finally did it. The muffin was soft and moist, and come out so orange-y. Haha. My parents think it's a bit too sweet for them but despite that, they asked for seconds.

Here goes the recipe. Adapted from Pam, with a slight changes made by me. Just very very slight.

Ingredients:
2 cups of flour
1 cup of sugar (I used 3/4 cup of sugar - will be using only 1/2 cup next time)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp orange rind
3/4 cup of fresh orange juice
1 cup of dried cranberries
1/4 cup of canola
1 large egg
Coarse raw sugar

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (200 degrees celcius). Coat a muffin tin with cooking spray or you can just use muffin cups like I do.

Place the dried cranberries and the freshly squeezed orange juice in a small sauce pan and heat over medium heat for 5 minutes. This helps plump up the dried cranberries.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and orange rind together until well mixed. In a separate bowl, add the orange juice, cranberries, canola oil, and egg and mix together. Pour this mixture into the dry mixture and stir until combined.

Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle a bit of course raw sugar on each muffin top. Place into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for a few minutes. Enjoy.

My own notes:
I used the whole of 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice to heat up the dried cranberries. After that, I have about 1/8 cup of juice left in the pan (ya I measured them out). I wasn't sure whether I am suppose to allocate extra juice for the batter. I didn't add additional juice into the wet mixture until I pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture.

As expected, my batter was very very dry. So I added another 1/2 cup of orange juice + 1/8 juice (to top up to the same amount as stated in the recipe). And my muffin come out just great!

My baking time was 200 degrees c for 15 mins plus another 15 mins for 180 degrees c. (cause the top was already quite brown)

Chocolate Chunk Cookies

2011-07-07T22:27:00.007+08:00

First time trying out this type of recipe, i.e preparing the dough in advance, freeze them and chopped them into pieces.

I especially love using this recipe because I do not need to take out my cake mixer. Ya, I know I am lazy =b always looking for the easiest recipe. My only problem was that I really fail big times in my cutting skill. I was having a little problem cutting through those thick chocolate chunks in the dough and some squares just didn't... make it =A= Look at the picture above, they look so out of shape *orz

The texture of the cookies taste shortbread-ish and again, I really really love the taste of those big chocolate pieces melting in my mouth after I took a bite. It was so addictive I alone finished a whole container. When i was chopping them, I kept thinking, "I am never gonna use chocolate chunks again" But then, I definitely will, especially after I got a taste of them.

I remember waking up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday to bake this. Brought some to the office and was really glad they like it. There I go being long winded again, I am sure you are anxious to check out the recipe.

I came across this recipe in a chinese forum.
Please refer to the link above for a step by step picture instructions =D

Ingredients:
120g butter (room temperature)
60g icing sugar
1/8 tsp salt
30g egg (about half an egg)
1/8 tsp vanilla
180g flour, sieved
45g chocolate (chopped into pieces) or any other chocolate

Decor (optional):
water
sugar/brown sugar

Method:
1. Use a spatula and and beat the room temperature butter until its soft.
2. Add icing sugar and salt and mixed into the butter until well incorporated.
3. Add egg and mixed well. Then add the vanilla
4. Fold in sieved flour and after that threw in the chocolate chunks!
5. Rolled the dough into rectangle log and wrapped them in cling film. Then into the freezer these log go!~ (I freeze overnight)
6. When it's time to bake, preheat the oven with 180 degree celcius.
7. Took the dough out, brush the surface of the dough lightly with water then rolled them in plate of sugar. This step is optional. I personally like the crunchy texture though.
8. Cut the dough into about 6mm in thickness
9. Bake for about 15 mins

Enjoy~~

*doubling the recipe made 2 small containers

*lalalal~

Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins

2011-01-02T18:50:00.008+08:00

I love making muffins because I can easily mix up a batch without taking out my electronic beater. For muffins, dry ingredients are often prepared separately from the wet ingredients. Then the prepared wet ingredients are folded into the dry ingredients.

During the folding process, do make sure that you don't over fold them. Mixture is usually lumpy but that is just fine for muffin.

So, one day, I told Shu Vun that I wanted to bake something different. Not the usual chocolate cake, cheese cake but something different! She recommended the Strawberry Cream Cheese muffins. This muffin give you surprise inside. =D

I found several links on the web and i chose to follow this and this. The latter link shows steps by steps pictures. This recipe is very well received by all my friends and family. They just couldn't get enough of it!

However, i changed the amount of baking powder used because my muffins didn't seem to rise much on the first tries. Taste wise is good. Really good. But i prefer my muffin to be taller. I had made this countless times and it always comes out good, soft and nice!

The cream cheese filling in the middle often cause people to think that the muffin is uncook so be sure to assure your guinea pig, ahem i mean, your friends that they are just cream cheese. Well, that usually happen if you consume the muffin right out of the oven.

Here's the recipe:-

This recipe make about 12 muffins

Dry ingredients:-
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups of granulated sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

wet ingredients:-
1 cup milk
1/2 cup/113g unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs (at room temperature)

1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped into pieces)

Cream cheese mixture:
4 oz/113g cream cheese (at room temperature)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Methods:-

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients and set aside.
2. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together until well incorporated.
3. Make a well in centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients.
4. Fold them until just combined. Mixture may appear to be lumpy but it's fine. Do not overmix
5. Spoon the batter into prepared muffin cases or tin. Fill each cup barely half full only.
6. Scatter a few strawberry pieces into each one.
7. Top the strawberries with about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
8. On top of that, add on another 1 or 2 tablespoon of the muffin batter.
9. And on top again, press a few strawberry pieces to the batter
10. Bake for about 25 mins or until top is brown in preheated oven of 180 degree celcius

Enjoy this wonderful recipe. =D

Something I think I should mentioned here, hope it's not too late
Note:
1. The batter should be watery
2. If you want to test the muffin with skewer for doneness, remember to poke the side of the cake. If you poke through the middle, the cream cheese section would be forever moist!

Mr Haines' Chocolate Cake

2011-01-02T18:47:00.002+08:00

Mr Haines was my Combined science teacher back in year 1997 from STPRI. Our school love to celebrate Teacher's day by holding the day off and having each class organised their own party. Then each teacher would visit each classes and sample the dishes brought by the students.

So, My Haines @ our homeroom teacher would bring his special chocolate cake everytime with nice chocolate icing on top. He didn't only bring it during Teacher's day, he would even bring it if we students requested it. I don't remember how it taste like now, after 14 years. but it does bring back a lot of happy memories from back then. I probably try to bake it once some 10 years ago. Haha. I think he went back to New Zealand several years ago. Wonder how he is doing now?

So it was 4.30 p.m., i was halfway watching Kimi ni Todoke when i suddenly feel bored. Then i look for Mr Haines' old recipe and started to scout for ingredients around the house. I didn't have milk so i substitute with chocolate milk. My cocoa powder wasn't from the best brand and my margarine was the Farm Cow brand (which i never really like). But I'm really dying to bake something. So i go ahead with all those ingredients in hand.

Here's the recipe for any of you who would love to try it.

1 cup hot water
4 tbsp cocoa powder
4oz margarine (really, i would prefer using butter)
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups self raising flour (sifted)
2 cups sugar

Methods:-

1. preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius.
2. Mix together hot water, cocoa and margarine.
3. Add baking soda dissolved in milk, vanilla and eggs into the first step and mix well.
4. Beat in sifted flour and sugar until well combined.
4. Pour into baking pan and bake for about 25 to 30 mins.

Cool and then ice with your own chocolate icing recipe. The cake taste fine without icing of course.

My oven took 40 mins to bake this cake. So each oven's baking time varies. This is a really easy recipe. I didn't even need to take out my electronic beater and just mix everything with my whisk. =D

The result? soft and fluffy. I like!

Mac n Cheese

2010-11-28T13:22:00.004+08:00

I was planning to make carbonara.. but my dad wanted to eat mac and cheese.

My mac and cheese turn out pretty well. The best part was making the cheese sauce. Usually, i would just pour most the milk into the butter-flour mixture and they wouldn't really incorporated well. Ya, i was lazy. But today, i added the milk slowly and mixing the sauce until it's smooth. I was very pleased at how nice the sauce came out. :D

I was careful not to overbake them cause i like the fillings to be creamy. I forgot bout my mac and cheese for a while due to facebook games so a part of them was a bit over browned. Haha!

I added tuna and minced chicken. I think it was good combination.

For recipe, please visit here.

Egg Tarts

2010-08-28T19:24:00.005+08:00

Egg Tarts~~ Weee~
Found this recipe from Ching and Mikko

Definitely a keeper! *thumbs up
This recipes yields around 21 - 22 tarts (standard size)

Ingredients for fillings:
140 g sugar (i used 120g which is ideal for my family cause they don't like sweet)
288g water
4 eggs
80g evaporated milk

Method:
1. Boil the water and stir in the sugar until melted
2. Let cool for about 5 minutes or so then add in beaten eggs and evaporated milk
3. Sieve the mixture for 3 times.
4. Set aside

Ingredients for dough:-
300g plain flour
8g custard powder
8g milk powder
8g sugar
1 egg
200g butter

Methods:-
1. Melt butter in double boiler. Let it cool for a while
2. Mix flour, custard powder, milk powder and sugar together in a bowl until combined
3. Add in beaten eggs and melted butter. Mix until just combined only (with a spoon)
* Do not overmix them
4. Divide dough into balls of 26g each
5. Press dough into tart moulds
6. fill the moulds with egg fillings
7. Bake in preheated oven of 160 degree celcius for about 20 mins or till egg custards are cooked.
8. Let the tarts cool for a while, turn over the tart and lightly knock them out of the mould.

Tips:
1. Baked tarts in lower tray to avoid overbaking the egg custards
2. If the egg custards started to puff up, open the oven door a few inches because the temperature may be a bit too high.

Oatmeal Almond Muffin

2010-07-18T14:26:00.004+08:00

Recipe from Ching

Ingredients

120g butter
200g caster sugar (i reduced to 150g)
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
250 ml milk
1tsp vanilla essense
240g self-raising flour (sifted)
40g almond slices
40g Oatmeal (i used nestum)

extra almond slices for topping

Method:
1. Melt butter and sugar in double boiler until melted
2. let cool and add in eggs, milk and vanilla
3. Add in sifted flour, almond and oatmeal and mix lightly
4.. Pour mixture into muffin cups
5. Bake in pre-heated oven 180 degree celcious for about 25 mins

Jamie Oliver's Bloomin' Brilliant Brownies

2010-02-23T15:05:00.005+08:00

It was quite last minute when i decided to make something to bring to Sharlene's house last Saturday. I only had about 2 hours of preparation and cooking available after arriving home after work. I did not have time to go shopping for ingredients. I ruled out chicken pies because the dough needs time to refrigerate. Cookies are not a good idea because you see cookies everywhere especially during this chinese new year. So what to make? Good thing i have a block of cooking chocolate and butter in my fridge. Shu Vun highly recommended this brownie recipe from Jamie Oliver.

I added a little alcohol in my brownies. I do not have any Tia maria or brandy so i used this lychee wine i have call Kui Fei. There is a slight fruity taste in the brownies which i think is just fine.

I didn't have enough time to take a picture of my brownies. But it was really really chocolatey.
So I will use Shu Vun's brownie pic.

Ingredients
• 250g unsalted butter
• 200g dark Fairtrade chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken up
• optional: 75g dried sour cherries
• optional: 50g chopped nuts
• 80g cocoa powder, sifted
• 65g plain flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 360g caster sugar
• 4 large free-range or organic eggs
• optional: zest of 1 orange
• optional: 250ml crème fraîche

Methods

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Line a 25cm square baking tin with greaseproof paper. In a large bowl over some simmering water, melt the butter and the chocolate and mix until smooth. Add the cherries and nuts, if you’re using them, and stir together. In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and sugar, then add this to the chocolate, cherry and nut mixture. Stir together well. Beat the eggs and mix in until you have a silky consistency.

Pour your brownie mix into the baking tray, and place in the oven for around 25 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them so, unlike cakes, you don’t want a skewer to come out all clean. The brownies should be slightly springy on the outside but still gooey in the middle. Allow to cool in the tray, then carefully transfer to a large chopping board and cut into chunky squares. These make a fantastic dessert served with a dollop of crème fraîche mixed with some orange zest.

**note: i found that 360g of sugar is too much so i only used 50g. The sweetness is just right for those who are not too fond of sweetness.

Baked Rice

2010-02-23T14:47:00.004+08:00

It's holiday today! Happy National Day!! ~

I was planning to make spaghetti today but i was too lazy to drive out to buy the ingredients so i decided to make this baked rice instead. The recipe is from HappyHomeBaking.

I was drooling at this dishes for a while now. So upon checking my fridge, i found out that i still have some cream left from the last cheesecake i made and left over rice from last night's dinner. However, i don't have mozarella cheese so i use cheddar cheese instead. The colour doesn't turn out to be as pretty as the dish made by HappyHomeBaking. But the taste is good.

I don't have fresh chicken stock so i used half a cube of chicken stock mix with about 1/2 cup of water. The rice doesn't turn out to be too wet or too dry. I like the texture just fine. =)

Below recipe is copied from from HappyHomeBaking.

**Thanks for sharing the wonderful recipe~

Ingredients:
(serves 4)

1.5 cups uncooked rice
2 chicken thigh
100g fresh mushrooms of your choice , sliced thickly
some minced garlic
1 cup cream (dairy)
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to taste)
some black pepper
some grated mozzarella cheese
dried parsley

Method:

1. Wash and cook rice with rice cooker.

2. Bring a pot of water to the boil, put in the chicken thigh and boil till the chicken is almost cooked. Let cool and shred the chicken into bite sizes. Reserve half cup of the chicken stock.

3. Heat up a deep pan, with some cooking oil (or butter) stir fry minced garlic and mushrooms. Add in the shredded chicken meat. Add pepper and salt to taste. Continute to stir fry till the mushrooms become soft.

4. Add in the cream, stir well. Add in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. (Note, always add cream BEFORE the chicken stock, otherwise the mixture may not be smooth.)

5.Add in the cooked rice. Stir and let it cook for a few mins or until the sauce is almost fully absorbed by the rice.

6.Place rice into a heatproof baking dish. Cover top with grated cheese.

7.Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200 degC, till the cheese turns golden brown. Sprinkle with some dried parsley. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this wonderful dish~

Sausage Muffin

2009-12-30T20:48:00.007+08:00

Recipes from Ching

All right, this is not a sweet dessert. I like the ingredients use here because it's not too much egg, not too much butter and sugar. Ideal for my super health conscious family. I personally like the fragrant of the black pepper. I would definitely make this again and with more black pepper.

Ingredients A:
5 sausages
1 tbsp butter

Ingredients B:
2 eggs
60 butter
60 caster sugar ( i used brown sugar)
1 tbsp of tomato sauces (you can use more if you like)
200g milk

Ingredients C:
250g flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp of black pepper (can be more if prefer)
1/4 tsp salt (omitted this if you use salted butter)
1 tbsp chopped basil leaves (optional)

Methods:
1. Melted butter in fying pan and stir fried sliced sausages until cook. Set aside.
2. Melted the butter in ingredients B over a double boiler.
3. Sieved flour together with baking powder and set aside.
4. Mix all the ingredients together in a big bowl and add in ingredients C
5. Fold in sausages.
6. Fill muffin cups up till 9/10 full
7. Bake in preheated oven in 170 degrees C for 15 -20 mins

This recipe make 7 small muffin cups

Enjoy~

Macao Sawdust Pudding (Serradura)

2009-12-30T19:58:00.002+08:00

A super simple easy dessert to make!!!!

Recipes taken from Wendy
Thanks Wendy for sharing the recipe~

Ingredients:
250ml whipping cream
80g Maries biscuit or more
50g condensed milk
2 tsp of vanilla essence

Method:
1. Crush marie biscuits finely. Set aside
2. whip whipping cream till soft peaks. Add vanilla essence and condensed milk. Continue to beat the mixture until stiff peaks
3. Transfer the cream into a piping bag, fitted with 1 or 2 cm nozzle (i didn't use this, i just scooped them into the cup =p)
4. Place a layer of the biscuit crumbs at the bottom of your cups or moulds. Pipe a layer of cream on top. Layer with biscuits and cream again until cup is full.
5. Chill in the freezer for 2 hours. Take out the dessert and let it sit at room temperature about 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy~

Patrina's Apple Crumble

2009-12-30T19:34:00.004+08:00

This recipe is given by Patrina.

Had always wanted to bake an apple crumble but there are just too many recipes online. Which one is good? Patrina told me this recipe of hers is delicious and seeing how easy it is. I just have to try. =)

Patrina's original recipe use pre-made Apple fillings but since i don't have this in hand. I made myself. I did not cook the apple as some people would do because i prefer the fillings to have a bit of solidness when bitten into them, if you get what i mean.

Here's the ingredients:-

For the apple fillings:-
2 apples
1 tbsp of brown sugar (optional)
1 tsp of cinnamon powder/mixed spice (optional)

Crumbles:
1 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar (i reduced to 1/2, which i think is sweet enough)
1/3 oatmeal
1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
dash of cinnamon (optional)

Methods:-
1. Slices apples and toss them with sugar and cinnamon/mixed spice. Set aside
2. Place all the ingredients for Crumbles together and mix them up in a bowl.
3. Butter up a loaf dish
4. Put half the crumbles onto the dish. Layer with apple fillings. Then cover the apples with the rest of the crumbles.
5. Bake for about 50 mins to one hour until top is brown for 180 degrees C.

It's that easy. Cinnamon is optional. If you are the more adventurous type, the apples filling can be replace with Pears as well. xD

Enjoy this lovely dish~

Cheddar Cheese Cake

2009-12-13T13:18:00.004+08:00

Recipes from Ching

I used the wrong baking pan. So now the cake looks flat and short. Should have use the loaf pan.

The cake is still spongy though. Cutting was messy because my mom gave me a blunt knife which she thinks its enough for cutting. Sigh, cin cai la.

Hmm, the taste is not bad la. Not too cheesy since this recipe only use 3 pieces of cheese slices. So it's ideal for some who don't like cake which is too cheesy.

I messed up some of the step. Too kan cheong and failed to read the instruction before hand. haha. Good thing the cake still looks ok

I will probably try again with loaf pan ^^

Recipes (translated):
Ingredients A
3 slices of cheese
50g milk
50g butter

Ingredients B
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp of vinegar or cream of tartar
50g caster sugar

Ingredients C
50g flour
3 egg yolks

Methods:

1. double boil ingredients A till melted. Set aside
2. Beat egg white and cream of tartar until foamy. Add in half the caster sugars. Beat a while and then add in the rest of the sugar. Beat until stiff peak forms
3. Mix egg yolk into ingredients A (step 1)
4. Fold half of the egg white into the egg yolk mixture gently. Fold in sieved flour.
5. Fold in the rest of the egg white
6. Bake it in a water bath in a preheat oven at 140 degrees C.

Spiral Curry Puff

2009-11-29T16:27:00.005+08:00

Recipes from Florence

The below recipes are copy word for word from Florence's blog. For a more detail explanation with pictures, please visit her blog.

Ingredients: (16 pieces @ 9cm in diameter)
Water Dough:
210g plain flour
1/4 tsp salt
95ml warm water
25g lightly beaten egg
1 tbsp or 14g margarine

Oil Dough:
100g plain flour
60g - 70g margarine

Filling:
120g chicken thigh meat(cubed)
3 medium potatoes (cooked and cubed)
1 onion (cubed)
2 tbsp garam masala
1 tbsp chicken curry powder
salt and pepper to taste

Method:
1. Heat up some oil in the wok, stir fry the onions for a while, add in the diced chicken meat, diced potatoes and the rest of the seasonings. Stir fry till chicken is cooked. Leave aside to cool for use later.
2. Mix all ingredients for the water dough in a mixing bowl and knead till you have a soft and pliable dough. Leave aside to rest for 30 minutes.
3. After the water dough is rested for 30 minutes, mix everything for the oil dough till you get a workable dough.
4. Divide water dough into 2 pieces about 175g each. Divide oil dough into 2 pieces about 78g each. Work on one piece of water dough and one piece of oil dough. Keep the other pieces in a bag to retain moisture.
5. Wrap oil dough in water dough.
6. With sealed edges facing upwards, roll this into a flat long sheet.
7. Roll it up swiss-roll style.
8. Turn the dough 90 degrees and roll it into a thin rectangular flat sheet. Roll it up tightly in swiss-roll style again. Trim away the left and right edges to tidy it up.
9. Divide into 8 pieces and you will get this.
10. Flatten each piece into a round disc and wrap in the filling.
11. Fry the puff in medium heat and when they are about to be cooked, turn up the heat to force the oil out of the puff. Drained well and serve.
12. For the remaining dough, repeat steps (5) to (11).

And if you want to learn how to fold the curry puff like that, please visit this video at youtube. It's very easy. only took me 5 mins to learn = ]

Thanks Florence for sharing this nice recipe~

Pandan Raisin Cupcakes

2009-11-29T15:49:00.006+08:00

Recipes from Ching

Ingredients:
100g Caster Sugar
100g Butter 100g
2 Eggs
120g Milk
1 tsp of Pandan essence
200g cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
50g raisins

Methods:-

1) Soak raisins in hot water for 30 mins. Mix milk and pandan essence together and set aside
2) Beat butter and sugar till light
3) Add in eggs slowly and beat well
4) fold in sifted flour (with baking powder) & milk mixture with spatula
5) fold in raisins. Fill paper cups
6) Bake in 170 degree celcius preheated oven for 20-25 mins

Makes 7 small cups, sized 5 cm x 5.5 cm
For a healthy option, i use brown sugar instead and it works fine =)
And i don't have cake flour.. so i use 1 3/4 cup of all purpose flour as replacement. haha
This cake is still soft and nice. Definitely a keeper.

Thanks a lot to Ching for sharing ^^

Chicken Pie

2009-07-15T18:36:00.006+08:00

Made Chicken Pies today~

Haven't cook or bake anything for a very long time... *back pain. -_-"
I followed the recipe from My Culinary Journal and BakingMom.

**Thanks for the wonderful recipe ^^

Recipes below are copied from My Culinary Journal

Pastry
150 gm butter
250 gm plain flour
1 tsp sugar
1 egg yolk
A pinch of salt

1 tsp of herbs ( mixed / rosemary)

100 gm yoghurt

Put all the ingredients, except yoghurt, in a mixing bowl. Rub butter into flour mixture until like breadcrumbs. Add in yoghurt and mix to a dough.

Dough will be very soft so need to keep it refrigerated for at least 30 mins.

Filling (i followed the fillings from BakingMom)
12 oz diced potatoes
1 big onion diced
50 gm mixed vegetable (or more if you like)
Sliced canned mushrooms (amt up to you)
2 chicken breast diced
1 tbsp corn starch or potato starch mixed with 2 tbsp water
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Seasonings :
1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water
1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp oyster sauce
salt n pepper to taste

Methods:

Heat abt 2 tbsp of oil and fry potatoes until golden. Set aside.
In a clean wok, heat 2 tbsp oil. Fry the onion until transparent. Add mixed vegetable, mushroom, chicken. Add in potatoes.
Add in water and cook for abt 5 mins. Add in seasonings.
Add in the cornstarch and stir to thicken mixture. Cool and set aside.

this dough is enough to make 6 half-cup muffin size pies.

Roll out the dough, cut the size required and place in a pie dish. Poke holes at the base using a fork. Put 2 - 3 tablespoons fillings in. Cut another piece of dough to cover the top. Poke a few more times using fork on the cover of the pie. Brush with 1 beaten egg. Baked in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 - 30 mins.

use remnant to make decorations for pies.

Before goin into the oven

The Results

After 25 mins, my pastry still look a little pale.. so i baked for another 15 mins more
I may add a little bit more butter next time =D

Flood!!!!

2009-01-21T08:47:00.004+08:00

The view outside my room

The view from my parent's room

Sien!!!

CNY bakes

2009-01-20T00:08:00.003+08:00

Chinese new year ("cny") is less than 2 weeks away. I just won't feel like cny without baking anything. So i baked some cornflake cookies and kuih mor for giveaway yesterday. And also Kek Batik. The only things i didn't make this year is prawn roll, melting moments, pineapple tarts and cheesecakes. Too little time.

I baked till 8+ p.m. last night. I was really tired and i felt like i was soaking in butter. BUT I felt happy and satisfied. =) I can't remember i baked how many batches and tubs but i only found 4 tubs left tonight.

I also ordered some cookies from Anna Mok and cakes since i wasn't planning to bake so much this year. Her almond cookies and cornflakes are my favourites.

Well, my brother will be goin to UK to further his studies this Thursday. And I will be goin to Singapore/Johore this Sunday for about a week.

So here wishing every chinese readers a Happy Chinese New Year and non-chinese readers a Happy Holiday!

Happy New Year 2009~!

2009-01-01T12:39:00.005+08:00

It's the first day of the new year so I would like to wish everyone who read this a very Happy New Year XD

Here's something funny from an anime i watched yesterday:-

Enjoy your holiday XD

A Surprise...

2008-11-13T23:10:00.007+08:00

My noobie brother took out my birthday cake at about 9.30 p.m. just now. He lined up all the candles on one side of the cake and he thinks its more unique this way. Some candles were actually standing at a slight 45 degree -.- He also dripped candle wax from lighting the first candle till the end.

After another round of singing and blowing candle and cutting cake, my noobie bro and his girlfriend took out a Huo Ho paperbag.

"This is from us to you" They said.

Lots of thing went through my mind. Is it a watch? i asked myself. Then i stopped. It was not possible because my bro is suppose to be broke. So what was in there?

I looked inside and saw a small dirty box with some label like "AC-DC" something. I stared at it for a long time and was trying to process what was this thing i was holding.

"It's a charger." They said cheerfully and they went on to explain how this multi charger can be use for many purposes while i was still... blank.

I showed my mom the charger and she keep laughing and laughing. I next showed it to my dad and he coolly comment that it was not bad -.-

While i was still dangling the charger on my hand, noobie bro took out a big box of surprise from the storeroom with a huge grin on his face. For the 2nd time tonight, my mind went blank again. HUH?! WTH

His girlfriend, Han asked me how did i feel when i received my "first" gift. She said I looked so disappointed . -.- But as i realised this was not a 2nd joke, i couldn't stop myself from grinning cause this was what i want. I just can't believed they actually get it for me.

I asked my bro to open up the gift for me and we played around with the function for a while. lol

*ouch... gastric pain (must be from eating too much today)

Can i MC tomorrow?

A very Excited Hwan on the loose

2008-11-13T16:38:00.006+08:00

It may be my birthday today but it seems that there is another person who is more excited than I am O_o

My facebook

MSN

My Bloggie

hmm.. did i miss any others..?

わたしのたんじょうび - My Birthday XD

2008-11-13T15:17:00.009+08:00

** had added some new songs & music to my play list. so enjoy =D

Today is my Big day~ 私の誕生日 ~

Took half day off from work. My precious afternoon is half gone and here i am, at home sitting in front of my computer... blogging. -.-

My morning in office had been quite busy (from eating). First, Jia Ren bought a slice of Carrot Cake from Fleur De Lys and get almost everyone on the 2nd floor to sing happy birthday to me. *embarassing. Cause there was only one slice and others don't get to eat.

With Betty's help, i ordered a bucket of Tau Fu Fa to treat everyone in the office. The Tau Fu Fa is so nice and so silky smooth. That big bucket cost only $16 , free delivery some more.

so after eating a big bowl of Taufu Fa plus that carrot cake and some other snacks bought by one of my colleagues from KL. I was so so so full. Then at bout 11.30 a.m. Another surprised came.

Hazelnut Chocolate Cake smtg-smtg from Bakerlyn. Sponsored by 3 lawyers namely Melissa, Weng Leong & Zheng. The bottom layer of the chocolate cake is made of waffles and the top layer is of soft sponge that is rich in chocolate. Hazelnut is an instant win here. Love Hazelnut with Chocolate XD

There was no singing this time cause everyone already sang during the first round of Carrot Cake. There wasn't anytime for making any wish because the white chocolate was melting fast so I just quickly blow the candle.

Had lunch with my noobie bro and ~~Oreo~~ Aurey in Charcoal. Urgh.. so full. I think i gained a few pounds today ¬_¬"

2 more hours to dinner. I found a box of cake in the fridge -.-"

Do i become a few years older from blowing more candles each time...?

Double Happiness...? XD

2008-11-12T22:30:00.011+08:00

Some of you may already know, i had my Japanese language Lvl 4 exam last night. It was quite difficult and i did not have any confidence in passing at all. Questions consists of multiple choices and most of them were grammar related. Sensei told us the result will only be announced next Tuesday. So this morning, i had a real surprised when my Sensei msg me:-

I remembered screaming out loud after the message sink itself into my brain. I was jumping up and down, showing this text to anyone who was near me. Seconds later, Pei Hwan msg me to tell me that she had passed. I called Lo san to check on him but he hasn't receive any message during that time, yet. Less than half and hour later, Lo san called me to tell me the good news. He passed as well.

For the rest of the day, i was excited and couldn't sit still. Partly because i passed the exam and also due to the reason that tomorrow is my very big important day~ It's the day when my mom gave birth to me some 20+ years ago XD

As Xio Li will be busy tomorrow night, she and Sze Wei asked me to yum cha at Taurean tonight and gave me my advanced gift

I shook the box and like an excited kid, i kept asking them what was inside. So, Xio Li told me the small box contain shoes. I almost believed them cause they look so serious when they said that. I kept wondering how did they squeeze a pair of shoes inside that small box?! I even place the box beside my foot for measurement. The length of the box is certainly smaller than my foot!!

So i open up & found:

Well, she was not kidding when she said "shoe" < < singular noun. It was a small stand and I was told i that could hang my accessories/earrings with this. That tiny pair of white shoes are souvenior from Sze Wei from her last trip to ... uh, where did she go again?! Holland ma?!

Anyway, the gift is very unique. Lol.

Thanks for remembering. XD

New albums!

2008-11-11T21:36:00.008+08:00

Just finished my Japanese exam and it's not looking good. There were don't-know-how-many- questions which were all multiple choices. =.=

Well, been so busy lately that i haven't look out for any new albums. I was surprised to find out that there are so many new releases.

Here are some of them (that i m interested in)

Yui - My Short Stories

Tracks:-
1. I'll be
2. HELP
3. Last Train
4. Winter Hot Music
5. Jam
6. Skyline
7. Free Bird
8. I wanna be...
9. Oh My God
10. Cloudy
11. Driving today
12. Understand
13. crossroad
14. It's happy line
15. Why me

This album is due to release on 12 November 2008.

Rainie楊丞琳 - 半熟宣言

Tracks:-

01.太煩惱
02.帶我走
03.我的愛吊點滴
04.冷戰
05.火星
06.半熟宣言
07.愛我請Shut Up
08.在你懷裡的微笑
09.女生我最大
10.幸福的節拍

This album was released on 7 November 2008

Genie卓文萱 - 超級喜歡

Tracks:
01. 愛的城堡
02. 一句話
03. 超級喜歡
04. 獨家快樂
05. SAVE ME
06. 下個幸福
07. 自己找答案
08. 不說
09. 一個人勇敢
10. 靜電

also released on 7 November 2008

Jolin also released an English album called Love Exercise

蔡依林 - 愛的練習語

Tracks:

01. Get this party started
02. Lovefool
03. Kiss me
04. The blower's daughter
05. I Won't Last A Day Without You
06. Lady marmalade
07. Physical
08. When You Say Nothing At All
09. Thank You
10. Angel

Released on 31 October 2008

and Hey, Micheal Learns to Rock got new album. It was released last month on 28 October 2008

Michael Learns To Rock - Eternity

Tracks:

01. When Tomorrow Comes
02. It's Gonna Make Sense
03. Shadow Side of Me
04. You Want More
05. Sweetest Surprise
06. Family Tree
07. I Do
08. Look Around
09. The War is Not Over
10. Lonely Satellite
11. Walk with Me
12. Eternity

Christmas songs from Sixpence None the Richer~

The Dawn Of Grace

Tracks:

01 Angels We Have Heard On High
02 The Last Christmas
03 O Come, O Come Emmanuel
04 Silent Night
05 Riu Riu Chiu
06 Carol Of The Bells
07 Christmas Island
08 River
09 Christmas For Two
10 Some Children See Him

Released on 14 October 2008

Haven't try any of them yet but going to~ XD

Wedding invitation

2008-11-10T21:11:00.004+08:00

receive a wedding invitation through msn today -_-

It's from one of my cousin in Kelantan... so i asked him when is he going to send me an air ticket.. this is what he said:-

very smart

Something to share

2008-11-08T00:27:00.004+08:00

Just want to share a short story written by a friend. It was really beautifully written.

*I hope he don't mind me posting it here. Hmm, i don't recall telling him of my blog address so i guess he won't find out either. XD

Starsinger

Toyota Classics

2008-11-08T00:14:00.008+08:00

whoa.. i guess i really cracked last night.

I felt a bit better today after my night at ICC for the Toyota Classics. It was a great performance and I really enjoyed my night. My stress level reduce a little. But i think it may goes up again because i haven't study for my Japanese Exam!!! The final exam is next Tuesday! Help!

Here are some pictures i took

That's Amy Mastura in blue

Ranting

2008-11-07T00:34:00.002+08:00

so.. the last time I blogged was during 2 October? So some of you may be wondering where I have gone again this time. I used to promise myself that no matter how busy I am, I would take the time to at least bake something every 2 weeks. But now, I found it so impossible to do so. Not because I m too busy during Sundays but due to the reason that I m too tired, both mentally and physically.

Work quantity is insane, not crazy but insane! The amount of workload is killing me slowly and really stressing me out. Fellow colleagues told me that I lost a lot of weight. I wonder how I could be losing weight when I am not even on diet. Probably due to stress?

I try to reduce my stress level by working my butt off and do overtime as much as I possibly could. It’s racing against time everyday for me. But i found it hard to get up early in the morning if I worked till late the day before. I feel too tired. I think I am becoming more and more “no life”. I found that I do not even have time to socialise anymore. too tired to even go out at night. . >.<>

Even if I m at home in the evening, sitting in front of my pc, I am at a lost at what to do. Should I use my precious few hours to watch anime? Read manga? Surf? Find more things to download? Or should I just go play my DS? I usually can’t decide and would waste the precious night away doing meaningless thing. I have countless episodes of anime waiting for me to catch up, gigs of manga waiting for me to read.. but my heart is just not in it.

During Sunday, I would try to sleep in but I normally end up waking at 9 a.m. Then, I will spend my precious Sunday doing some reading. I don’t like to read so much if there is work the next day as I am usually so intense in my reading that I forgot the time. And I will end up being late at work again.

GAH!!! I am so tired!!!! Mentally tired!!! I want a LONG break!! But if I take a long break, I will go back to the office crying at the possible mountains of task on my table.

Don't mind me.. just ranting here . Sob

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

2008-10-02T16:43:00.004+08:00

I too kan cheong took out the cake from the refrigerator too soon. It was still soft so i put it back into the fridge again. lol

Recipe from Family Circle's Cheesecakes Pavlovas & Trifles

Ingredients:
125g plain chocolate biscuits
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
60g butter

Filling:
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp gelatine
375g cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup caster sugar
60g white chocolate (melted)
60g milk chocolate (melted)
60g dark chocolate (melted)
1 cup cream (whipped)

Method:
1. Line base of a 20cm round springform cake tin with foil. Brush sides with oil. Place biscuits in food processor bowl & process for 30 seconds or finely crushed. Transfer crumbs to medium bowl, add cinnamon & butter. mix until well combined. Press into base of prepared tin. Refrigerate for 20 mins or until firm

For filling
2. Place water in a small heatproof bowl. Sprinkle gelatine over water. Stand in boiling water & stir until dissolved, cool slightly.

3. Beat cream cheese till soften with electric beater. Add milk & sugar & beat till combined. Divide mixture in 3 portions.

Fold white chocolate into 1/3, milk chocolate into another 1/3 & dark chocolate into remaining 1/3.

Fold 1/3 of the gelatine into each portion. Gently fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into each portion of the cheese mixture.

4. Spread white chocolate mixture over prepared biscuit base. Cover carefully with milk chocolate mixture, followed by dark chocolate mixture. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until set.

5. Decorate the top with whipped cream or whatever you like.

*3 hours is definitely not enough. Mine had been more than 4 hours already and its still 80% set only =/

Mini Sausage Buns

2008-09-07T16:38:00.006+08:00

Made sausage buns today~

I knead the dough for 1 hour and again, my hard labour was paid off when the bun come off soft and nice. XD

I don't know whether it will still stay soft tomorrow cause my family polished them up as soon as it was out of the oven. -.-"

i gotta do something about my dough twisting skill. They look like somewhere around fat caterpillar, croissant or seashell....

I used the sweet bun recipe from Zu.

This can make 12 mini sausage buns.

Ingredients:

(A)
250g bread flour
50g sugar
1/2 tsp salt
15g milk powder
2 tsp instant dry yeast

(B)
100-120 ml water
27g egg (egg can be omitted if choose to use cream cheese)

(C)
20g butter
20g shorterning/ cream cheese

6 Sausages (cut each into half)
sesames (optional)

Methods:

1. Mix (A)
2. Add (B) into (A) & knead till smooth

3. Add (C) & continue to knead till smooth and shiny until the dough does not stick to your hand. (i knead for about 1 hr here). If dough can be stretch into thin layer without tearing, means its fully developed.
4. Cover the dough with damp cloth or cling wrap & leave to prove for 60 mins or double in volume.
5. Punch down to let the air out.
6. Divide dough into 12 & leave to rest for 10 mins.
7. Roll each dough into long strip and twist them around each sausage.
8. Arrange them onto greased tray & rest for another 45 mins to 1 hour.
9. Brush with egg wash & sprinkle sesames on top.
10. Bake for about 15 - 20 mins in preheated oven at 190 degree c.
11. Remove from pan and cool.

Enjoy~

Cheese Muffins

2008-09-02T17:23:00.005+08:00

Muffins Muffins~ XD

Cheese Muffin (make 6 large muffins)

(A)
2 Eggs
200g dairy whipping cream
50g caster sugar
70g butter, melted

(B)
250g plain flour, sieved
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
100g shredded cheddar chesse

toasted nuts (optional)

Methods:
1. Preheat oven to 180 degree celsius
2. Mix (A) together in a mixing bowl and add to (B)
3. Stir until just mixed only (Do not over mix - mixture will be lumpy)
4. Spoon batter into muffin cups and sprinkle toasted nuts on top.
5. Bake for 20 - 25 mins or until cooked

The muffin is not sweet at all and it taste nice when spread with cream cheese. I can't find any nuts at home so i omitted the nuts. XD

I made another batches again and this time i add chocolate chips on top

Happy Valentine Day!!

2008-02-14T18:48:00.006+08:00

To all Singles, not availables, engages & marries..

Happy Valentine Day~~

My brother was sweet enough to buy me a stuff cow last night (not after i nag for a while. hehe) and also a million thanks to Willyn Florist's Ah San for giving a rose. So sweet of her.

My brother ordered a dozen red roses from them at B$150. We woke up really early this morning just to pick up the roses so he can surprise his girlfriend, who turn out to be not so surprise after all =/

Pretty or not.

Willyn Florist (at Kuilap next to Taurean Cafe) has the best packaging around and i heard that their flowers are of high quality that come from overseas. They are a bit pricey but its worth it la.

and this is my gift from the florist, Ah San who knows me since i was very young.

This is the first time i ever receive a rose on valentine. *o*

This is the pink moo moo that my brother bought from from Knic Knac last night ~ XD

I am happy this year.. in a way XP

Happy Birthday to Sze Wei

2008-01-27T13:51:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday!! !!

KK Trip Part 2

2008-01-27T12:57:00.000+08:00

The long awaited Part 2

Let's start with the Four Season Dim Sum & Steamboat restaurant first. The restaurant was in this new plaza across the road of the Centrepoint.

As usual, my bro ordered a lot of dishes from the menu. The first few arrive with some surprise that neither of us notice until it's too late.

Picture may be too small and you can't really spot them well. Click on them to get a better view.

Still cannot find anything strange?

Can see le kwa! We intend to show this to the staff there if they try to deny.

The most scariest thing is, there was suppose to be 2 (as shown in the previous photo) but now there's only 1 left! Me and my bro found out only later when we returned to Brunei while checking out the photos. What happened to the other one?? We don't dare mentioned it to our parents that one of them might have accidentally consume 1.... +.+"

They gave a 10% discount on all our food but we already lost our appetite.

We cancel the remaining orders, eat up a little and left the place quickly. We certainly won't go there EVER again.

We came out of the restaurant and found this cute dog. Not sure whether it's a pet shop though.

We later on visit the mall at Karamunsing, another area where you need to use the Taxi. The things here are more cheaper. Not for the branded maniac though.

On our very last day at KK, we ate at The Chicken Rice Shop at Warison Square. My parents had been wanting to try out the chicken rice but i was not so interested in it and the plan for visiting this restaurant was put off until the very last day. lol.

We ordered the family set that comes with 4 plates of rice and a jug of cola. i forgot how much it the cost... Below RM50 maybe? The appetizer is really. I don't know what it is but it's good.

The food is not bad. Quite nice and the price is reasonable.

Warison Square during Christmas and New Year:-

A tall man greeted me with a big Hi. LOL

After that we go airport just 2 hours before departure. Found out that that the airport is deserted and the counter is close. The counter was open after about half n hour later and we were only able to check in half an hour before departure. It was hot outside and there was no air con. The flight was delay somemore and we reached Brunei at 12.30 a.m. zzz. Was so tired!

Note to self: Never go to KK airport too early. =/

KK Trip - Part 1

2008-01-06T10:15:00.000+08:00

Further to my previous post, this is the Imperial Hotel that we stayed in KK.

I think its call a superior room cost RM205 with twin sharing bed. Situated at Warison Square only. Very clean and comfortable. Each room have its own safe where you can keep your valuables. Their staff are friendly and nice.

Relaxing on the really comfy chair while reading my Horrible Histories.

The Bathroom

We arrived before lunch time. After check into this hotel, i slept till 3+ p.m before going down to Warison to check out the restaurants. There are many nice and yummy looking restaurants to choose from. Me and my parents finally decided to try out the Hong Kong Recipe.

Flipping around the menu, i decided to try out this curry bun. It looks just like the bread bowl we always have at Fleur De Lys (coconut sized bread, cut out the inside of the bread and fill the inside with creamy soups)

Curry Bun~

As can see from the picture above, it was generously filled with curry chicken and potatoes. Oh So very Yummy!!! I think it cost RM3.80 (excluding tax & service charge). The curry is not too hot and i think its just right.

Baked Cheese Rice with Chicken (forgot actual name. hehe)

There were 3 sauces to choose from, white, red and... what was the other one again?? Anyway, i choose white sauce. This is really nice!! Its not too oily. Surprisingly the cheese feels quite light and you don't feel disgusted even after eating all of this. My picture was too close up. The baked rice was actually put inside a big dim sum basket lined up with aluminium foil. Cost around RM 7++ .

Let's jump to Dinner~

My research on KK restaurants had really gone to waste cause we mainly eat inside Warison Square only =x

Dinner at Tu Long Restaurant! 图龙餐厅
Situated next to Hong Kong Recipe. Hehe. I did not take a picture of the restaurant itself, so i surf around and found this. Hope give some idea of how the inside looks like.

Me and my bro ordered so much i thought we would die from over stuffing ourselves

This is one interesting appetizer.

Deep fried bananas coated with golden syrup (i think its golden syrup la..). Before you put them into your mouth, you have to dip them into a bowl of ice cold water first. Taste a bit sweet but really nice

Xiao Long Bao (Little steam juicy bun)

Mushroom Dumplings that turns out to be very meaty after all...

Shanghai Pork Rib La Mien

Little Red Bean paste Buns + Pan Fried Steam Bun

For all this, it cost us about RM100 only. The service here is good and the waiter is friendly as well.

Ok post until here. To be continue... =x

KK - A Summary

2008-01-02T19:29:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year people. I am back from KK.

Being really tired. My flight was delay, arrived at 12 midnight this morning and i went to work in less than 7 hours of sleep.

I apologised to some of those who had message me during the new year, for unable to reply because i did not buy any Malaysia line as i didn't see much use of it except messaging during the new year eve.

Spent most of my money on restaurants. probably tried out most of the restaurants at Warison Square. We stayed at Imperial Hotel at Warison. Initially booked Radius but later found out this is even more nicer and the room is much bigger (at the same price of course). The hotel is quite new as there was still a bit of construction still going on. Excellent Service though. Will post up some pics of the hotel room soon or later if i am not lazy.

Going to KK for holiday is more relaxing than Singapore~ At Singapore, i spend every waking day and night walk walk walk and shop shop shop. While at KK, i get to rest a lot more in the hotel as i am not worry that i won't have time for shopping.

Warison Square is a nice place to shop at, although a bit pricey. Centrepoint a bit crowded. We also went to Wawasan (where Parkson is) & Karamunsing (is that how you spelt it?) Dad said we went to Karamunsing when we were young but i have no recollection of the place. Me & my brother was imagining some old and dirty building but to our surprised, it was really clean and there was a huge Christmas tree inside. Things here are cheaper but not for those who want to shop for branded goods only.

We couldn't decide where to eat during new year eve and end up in a not so nice and rather noisy place packed with youngsters.. (why do i sound like some old person talking here).

There was a Four Season Restaurant in KK whereby they only offer Dim Sum and steamboat. The restaurant seems new and is located at Asia City Complex, somewhere across Centrepoint. Listen to me, Don't GO there!! Don't even try if you value your life unless you love eating insects.

We ordered quite a number of dishes, i was busy taking pictures of the food and had not start eating yet while my parent and my brother already dig in. My brother was about to take 1 of the "Xiao Long Bao" when he suddenly gave a little yelled. "Cockroach!!!"

i can't believe what he was saying and peered inside the basket. 2 of the "Bao"is gone and rested and the corner of basket... was a baby cockroach. (shivered)

We call over one of the waiter and showed him our discovery. He quickly gone off and it was a while later before another woman who seem to be of higher ranking came over and apologised. She offer to give 10% discount on the rest of the food. We had lost our appetite and only stared at the food as it grew cold. But we were quite lazy to find some other place for breakfast since it was near lunch time already so we ate up the rest of the food slowly while carefully checking out for other unwanted ingredients.

Apart from unwanted ingredients, their service was slow. It took forever for a requested item to arrive. Won't be returning there that's for sure.

Will post up pictures of my trip real soon. real real soon. Haha.

It's the year of the mouse~~

My New Year Resolution:

1. Go home at 5.30 p.m. (since i am not pay for OT)
2. Diet
3. Download more Anime
4. Play more DS
5. Buy a new Oven
6. Save more money so i can buy a piano
7. Be more active in baking
8. & etc etc

Advanced Happy New Year

2007-12-30T01:03:00.000+08:00

Before i go off on my holiday, i would like to wish everyone a Happy new Year first.

I being missing again, due to a terrible cold that i had caught a terrible cold a few days after my birthday during November. I even got ear infection and was unable to hear properly for a few weeks. I went to visit one of the local clinic in bandar and was on MC for one day. After taking the medication for 1 week, my condition turn from bad to worst.

Thanks to a kind uncle, someone my dad know, he was familiar with the specialist at RIPAS & brought me to hospital for check up. The Doctor prescribed me some huge pills which i think is probably antibiotic. Went back to let doctor check again after 2 weeks. he said my ear is not completely recover and prescribe me more medicine to eat for another month. my next appointment is mid January 2008. Hope there won't be anymore medicine after that.

I will be goin to KK with my family and spend the new year eve there. Hehe. my flight is 9+ am and i am doing some last minute research on restaurants now. Can't go to Seafood Village cos my parent will probably flip if they see the hundreds dollar bill. haha

Happy New Year, Everyone!!

Ham Bun

2007-11-15T19:51:00.000+08:00

The recipe that i was afraid to challenge up till now is ... Bun.
I love Breads and Buns. Yet, i am afraid to make them.

Cause my little hand held mixer is not strong enough to beat the dough and past experience always ends up in disaster. The bread was hard as rock. Well, after seeing this recipe, i thought die die also must try.

For this recipe, i die die kneaded the dough for almost one hour =/ My poor arm...

Thanks to Evan!

I am glad my bread did not come out like a rock and it's visually acceptable. Though my bread is not as pretty as Evan's but i intend to try again in the near future. =) I do not have round dish to put my bun in so i arrange it like a butterfly. keke.

Below here is her recipe (copy word by word):-

Ingredients :

recipe source : u-weekly mag

300g bread flour
100g plain flour
80g sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp instant dry yeast
175ml ice water
50g butter or margarine

for the filling :

picnic ham
spring onions, chopped
1 beaten egg, for glazing

directions :

1. mix bread flour, plain flour, salt, sugar, egg, dry yeast, ice water & butter/margarine in a bowl.

2. incorporate everything well & knead to form a pliable & elastic dough. this process may take quite a while, about 30 mins or so. the dough will be wet & sticky at first (and kinda messy as well), but keep on kneading (without adding oil or water) until dough no longer sticks to fingers & is glossy on surface. and if you're about to give up just like i did, DON'T!

3. set aside in a warm place to allow dough to fermentate, approx. 45 mins. the dough must at least double in size after fermentation.

4. punch to release some air. separate dough into individual 60g portions & refrigerate for about 10 mins.

5. taking a portion of the dough out of the fridge, knead into a flat sheet just abit bigger than a slice of picnic ham.

6. place ham on top of the dough and roll up.

7. cut into 5 portions and place them onto a small round dish or flan tin.

8. repeat steps 5 - 7 for the rest of the dough.

9. leave on to fermentate for another further 35 mins.

10. glaze with egg wash & sprinkle with chopped spring onions.

11. bake in a preheated oven of 200 deg c. for about 10 mins until golden brown. brush top with margarine for a shiny glaze.

I did not have enough ham pieces so the left over dough, i made bean paste bun. hehe

Road to Musician

2007-11-15T19:29:00.000+08:00

Some of you may have already know... but i am taking up piano lessons at Contessa now. I had always wanted to learn to play the piano, but no time no money. Haha! Teacher told me i have to cut my nails and i can't keep long nails. I haven't really cut them yet =/

Being having a few lessons already. Normally had it on a Saturday afternoon. Now all i need is a Piano.... so anyone want to buy me one?

Wa hey! i know how to play Mary had a Little Lamb now =x
Before long, you would see me playing Secret like Jay Chou. (*rolling eyes "ya, dream on")

13 Nov 2007 - My birthday

2007-11-15T18:41:00.000+08:00

I did not really celebrate my birthday but i did eat a big cheese cake on that day (generously sponsor by my brother).

I would also like to thank a few people who are actually sweet enough to remember this important day.

1) Sharlene, thanks for the nice bracelet, the hot chocolate & the sms
2) Patrina, thanks for the 5.30 a.m. sms, the big heart shape earrings & lunch at Capers
3) Sze Wei for the sms
4) Nonnie for the sms
5) Jia Ren for the Tao Fu Fa
5) Pei Hwan for the sms
6) Harold for the Email
7) My parents for the Ang Pows
8) My bro for the breakfast at Emperors & the Birthday Cake

Thank you all for remembering. *sob (touched) It means a lot to me. Really. Every year if i have to use my finger to count who remember birthday. There will always be left over fingers. Well, its expected la. Not socialise, not popular, got more than 5 people remember, i very happy already.

Mashed Potatoes with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

2007-10-14T15:51:00.000+08:00

This was taught by Sze Wei. Credit goes to her~

Hey, Sze Wei, what do you think of my first attempt? Looks nice huh. =D

Ingredients for sauce:
400 ml fresh milk
about 10 fresh button mushrooms, sliced
50g of shredded cheddar cheese or more
pinch of salt
1 tbsp of BBQ sauce (optional)
1 tsp of cornflour
100 ml water

Potatoes:
about 10 pcs
butter

1. Mix 1 tsp cornflour with 100ml water well. Set Aside
2. Butter the pan, lightly pan fried the sliced mushrooms for a while. (drain any water that came out from the mushrooms)
3. Add the milk in the pan with the mushroom and bring it to a boil (medium heat). Stirring all the time.
4. Add in cheese + BBQ sauce + salt. The more the tastier.
5. Add in step 1. Turn off the heat.
6. Place the potatoes in a sauce pan cover with water (wash the potatoes first -_-")
7. Bring them to boil. Test by using a fork.
8. Drain the water, let it cool for a while and quickly peel off the skin.
9. Mashed the potatoes while its still warm , add in a little butter.
10. Shape them into a balls.
11. Drizzle with cooked mushroom sauce and serve.

Must try, Really nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ate this for lunch and Dinner when i first made it =x

Snowskin Mooncake - 冰皮月饼

2007-10-14T14:22:00.000+08:00

i made these several weeks ago during the mooncake festival. Call me old fashioned but i am the type of person who rather die if i could not eat mooncake during the mid-autumn festival. I love mooncake, from baked to snowskin. I could only eat mooncake once a year so i am always looking forward to this special occasion.

This year, i spent a lot buying the mooncake mould, cookbook and ingredients at Le Apple. I was determined to make my own mooncake this year. I bought baked mooncake and made my own snowskin. People said that the design of the mooncake come out better if using a wooden mould. But wooden mould is so bloody expensive. I bought the plastic one and it still come out good.

I attempted twice with 2 different recipes. The first time was from a mooncake recipe book i bought. I must had done something wrong because my mooncake was rock hard after coming out from the fridge on the 2nd day.

The 2nd attempt was good. The skin is still soft after sitting in the fridge for 4 days. =x

Thanks to Aunty Yochana. My snowskin mooncake was a success. xD

Her recipe:

Ingredients for skin:
90 gm kao fen (kao fen is cooked glutinous flour)
10g tang mien flour
30g shortening
1 tsp fresh milk
180-200g water
100g sugar

fillings:
red bean paste or lotus paste

1. Boil water & sugar till dissolves. Cool in fridge
2. Mix kao fen & tang mien flour & shortening by rubbing them together.
3. Pour all the cold syrup (step 1) into step 2 & mix till you get a soft dough.
4. Divide dough into small portions according to your mould shape.
5. Dust your mould with some kao fen.
6. Wrap the divided skin with filling and press them into the mould.
7. Knock out lightly. The mooncake should come out easily.

I can made about 20 mini mooncakes with this recipe.

I made a little twist actually, hehe. I add in a tsp of matcha powder into the water. The colour comes out really nice. The match powder is so so so expensive. Cost $8 + for a small bottle at le Apple. sob

White Sugar Sponge - 白糖糕

2007-10-14T13:16:00.000+08:00

白糖糕 or rather known as "pak tong kou" to most is a chinese snack that i always love since i was young. My uncle's neighbour back in Malaysia always made excellent pak tong kou, although a bit sweet but it was really really good.

During Chinese New Year when my family would have house gathering at Kedah, the aunty next door would be kind enough to offer a plate of fresh pink colour pak tong kou. It was something that i really look forward to whenever i went there. However, that was years and years ago. I haven't seen that aunty for so long I am not sure i would recognise her again.

I always wanted to try to make this. However, i was turn off when most recipes would call for long hours of fermentation. up to 8 hrs or even 1 day. The fermentation time is too long and i am too lazy to wait.

But but, god did not forsaken me. I came upon this recipe, generously shared by Florence. 2 hours of fermentation only. It's worth a try! My outcome isn't so bad, the taste is there but my top is a little bit wet. hehe

Thank you so much, Ms Florence. My dreams has come true. =D I can finally made my own pak tong kou!!! Weeeeeeee

This is her recipe:-

(A):
170g sieved rice flour
130g - 150 g caster sugar
360 ml water

(B):
34 tsp instant yeast
1 tbsp warm water

Method:
1. Mix B & leave aside for 10 mins for use later.
2. Mix A together well & cook over slow heat, stirring all the time till a little thicken (this process should be less than 5 mins). Sieve the mixture into a big mixing bowl & cooled it in a basic of water.
3. Mix step 1 & 2 together & blend well. Cover mixture with glad wrap & prove in a warm water for 1 to 2 hours. When mixture show signs of bubble all over the surface, then it is ready for steaming.
4. Pour mixture in greased pan & steam at high heat for 20 - 25 mins.
5. Cut & serve when cool.

Back (after missing for 2 mths)

2007-10-14T11:47:00.000+08:00

Back again for now... but there's no saying when i will be missing again. zzz
I am still playing my DS whenever i have some little free time.
Too many games to play. Too little time
I found that i had neglected my blog a little too much =/

So now, i am taking a little break from my DS and do a little posting here.
Just finished playing Luminous Arc. A great tactic game, really.

At the moment watching this new drama called 公主小妹 by Angela Zhang & Wu Zhun. The drama is not bad. Should give it a try.

Changed my player. cute huh =x I had upload list of new and old chinese songs (my favourite)

Holiday. yay Holiday~

2007-08-11T15:36:00.001+08:00

It's public holiday today and I am not doing any baking or trying out new recipe.

I can't because i will be going to Singapore with my parents tomorrow. Woo Hoo~ I haven't pack yet but I am not planning to bring a big bag of clothes, accessories and cosmetics this time. Cause i found i never really wear some of the clothes i bring. So why waste energy bring so many.

So, this time I am going to take my small gym bag and fit in a couple of set of clothes enough to last me for 5 days. So i will chuck everything in the cargo and take a Horrible Histories book with me + my ipod Nano + passport + small bag onboard.

I am going to have a relaxing holiday. Not to go big shopping like last time. I will buy a few things only and take my time eating cakes. I am not going to buy many many clothes like last time. I am not going to use my credit card more than 3 times.

That's the plan. Haha. But can follow or not, i don't have any idea. We will be staying at Singapore for 2 or 3 days and then move to Johore to visit my aunt.

Looking forward to tomorrow =x

Bakelyn - Virgin Visit

2007-08-05T19:03:00.000+08:00

Some of you may not know but Bakelyn is a new bakery that is open at Kiulap, just next to Baiduri Bank.

I was intending to buy myself some chocolate mud cake. I got the chance to try on it during my lawyer's birthday and i was hooked. Their mud cake is really really good. It is very very rich in chocolate!

I went there on an early evening. Their window display of cakes were empty much to my disappointment. I asked the lady boss and she said they still have fudge cake in the kitchen. So, i bought this heart shape Chocolate Fudge cake, costing $4.90. The fudge cake is the cutest thing! The strawberry was dipped in white chocolate and was decorate as a tuxedo with dark chocolate XD Wahh!

The fudge cake was a bit sweeter than the mud cake. I would prefer the deep richness of the chocolate found in the mud cake though.

The lady boss was introducing their donuts to me. She told me that their donuts were one of the most popular. I bought the Custard Donut and Strawberry Donut at 90 cents each. Reasonable prices. Also chocolate Donut at $1.20.

Their Custard Donut is refreshing and not oily. And the chocolate sauce on top of the chocolate donut is of belgium chocolate and not sweet at all. I couldn't take picture of the donuts because it was all eaten by brother when i brought them home. Sigh. My brother said it's the best donuts you can ever find in Brunei.

She also told me that they only use the best quality in their ingredients. Their cakes are usually $40 per kg. A bit pricey but i think it's well worth the price. They have chocolates pralines for sell, suitable as gift and also home made ice cream.

And get this, their chef is from Sheraton!!! No wonder taste so good.

I intro my brother to order the Chocolate mud cake for his friend's birthday at Bakelyn. All his friends love the cake.

The Journey of Curry Puff

2007-07-29T18:28:00.000+08:00

While i was rummaging the cabinet. I found this curry puff mould. Since I was too free and had nothing to do, thought i would like to try bake one. I had not follow any recipe and just use the flour and butter that i found at home.

I love curry puff and is often afraid to eat too much of them because deep fried curry puff are oily. I especially love those with a piece of egg in it. There used to be a great curry puff seller at the Food Court of Centrepoint (Jaya). Unfortunately, they are no more in business. I think it was 3 pieces for $1. Their curry puff was small, crispy and the fillings are of curry potatoes. The curry itself are not too hot and there was egg in it. Aw, i miss their curry puff. Where had they moved to?

My mom made great curry puffs as well. But when asked her for the recipe, she can't give me cause she "agar-agar" (estimate) one. Now, i also "agar-agar" trying to make curry puffs like hers.

My curry puffs tastewise ok la. I mean the skin is not crispy enough. Obviously i didn't put enough butter. Well, i enjoy playing with them. I am sure next time will be better. hehe =D

roll our a piece of pastry and put on top of the mould

Put fillings in the middle and then press them together

Non Bake Brunei Style Cheese "Cake"

2007-07-22T17:18:00.000+08:00

After much difficulties, i had finally gotten this recipe from one of my colleague. When he told me the ingredients and methods. I refuse to believe. It's too easy except some work is required.

I bought the ingredients and made this yesterday.

I was still doubtful when i prepared this and only after i tasted it, i was convinced. This is it. The cream cheese layer in between tasted sweet and nice. Once you pop a slice into your mouth, you can't stop. It's really addictive.

As can see from my picture, my mom had cut into them and eat them before i had the chance to take the picture. Haha

To be honest, i really don't know how to name this recipe. My colleague called it Cheesecake but it's not cake at all. Probably i Should call it Brunei Style Tiramisu? O_o

ok, back to my reading of my Harry Potter. I had about 1/3 left to go!!

Recipe as below:-
Ingredients:
1 pack of chocolate Marie Biscuits
2 blocks of Philadephia Cream Cheese = 500g (softened)
1 small can of Sweetened Condensed milk (can be reduce slightly if prefer)
1 small can of Nestle Cream
Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)

Methods:
1. Beat softened Cream Cheese till creamy.
2. Add in Condensed Milk and Cream. Set Aside.
3. For 1st layer, arrange each round Marie Biscuits in the baking tray and cover up any hole with broken pieces of the biscuits.
4. For 2nd layer, spread the biscuits generously with the cream cheese mixture.
5. Arrange biscuits as a third layer and spread more cheese mixture as fourth layer.
6. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for 3- 4 hours till set.

The biscuit texture, after refrigerate become soft and feels like sponge cake. Which is why, i refused to believe it was just plain old marie biscuit in the beginning =/

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows - Final Book!!

2007-07-21T09:38:00.000+08:00

It 's being a heated competition among several book store in Brunei.

Icklebooks is selling at $48.90 for the first 100 customers plus free movie ticket at Empire.
Best Eastern selling at $49.00 with a harry potter bag
Paul & Elizabeth selling at $50+ with some 10% discount.

But I, being a regular customer from Icklebooks at Kiarong just bought from them.
I love Icklebooks plus the staff are nice and provide good service.

Was initially planning to wake up at 6+ a.m to beat all traffic and arrive at the store by 7 a.m. But stupid me, set the wrong alarm so end up waking at 7+ a.m. and stuck in traffic for a long time.

Enough say, here's the book!!! It comes with a cute paper bag =P

The free movie ticket is valid for three months, any movie , any time.

Well, i also end up buying more Horrible Histories =/

Ok, goin to start reading now. XD

Harry Potter -Order of Phoenix Premiere @ Empire

2007-07-11T23:01:00.000+08:00

I know life must goes on and i had been doing lots of things to get my life going. This also include watching movies.

Last week saw the advertisement in the Borneo Bulletin stating that SCB is giving away free movie ticket to Harry Potter movie on the 11th, 13th and 14th at Empire, with free popcorn and drinks.

Being a Harry Potter fan, how could i pass up the chance for getting free ticket to my favourite movie?! So i kiasu, early early called up Empire, just to have them told me that "It's not comfirm yet" But hey! It's in the newspaper already le!!! So i called up SCB and made some complaint. SCB told me they will sort out the matter and within 5 minutes, they called me and told me I can booked my seat at Empire now.

It was really hard to call Empire Cinema. The line would ring and ring and ring and there won't be anyone to pick up the call. I took Pat's suggestion and called Empire's general line to have them pass me to the Cinema instead. The call was quickly place through and I was able to book some seats to my satisfaction. I picked up my ticket during lunch time on that day as well.

Anxiously waited for more than a week and finally get to watch the movie today with my brother. The atmosphere at the Empire cinema was rather nice. There were candles lighting up the hall and staffs are wearing the Quidditch's uniform. So we were really excited. The movie was scheduled to run at 7.20 p.m. but it was delay and only shown at about 8 p.m.

My opinion?
Well, i read the book before so i know what was going on but for someone like my brother who had never read the book... the story is too fast. Scenes are being skipped through in a rush. Suddenly they are here and suddenly they are in another scene. It's just too fast that i think people might not be able to catch the link or understand what is going on.

I was a bit disappointed. I expected it to be more but this is like a summary and a short cut for the book.

I am grateful to SCB for having this promotion though. =P

Had also taken several shots at the Cinema. Will upload them in the next post. =x

心情日记 - 失恋篇

2007-07-02T23:38:00.000+08:00

一直以来都以为对他只是小小的喜欢
不知从何时开始，那小小的喜欢已经变了...

曾经以为只要能待在他身边，不求回报
只要能维持现状...
害怕被拒，也只想保持现在的关系...
只害怕连最基本的朋友也做不成

可是，我发现...
我似乎错了.

一个晴天霹雳的消息让我的心痛得无法形容
那一瞬间我的呼吸变得有一些困难

啊。。。怎么天突然下起雨来呢？
我抬头望着天。。奇怪了。。是天晴嘛。。
可是脸上仍然感觉到湿湿的...

我伸出一支手，摸了下脸
原来，我在不知不觉中... 哭了...
我试着不让眼泪继续流...
可是，只是越流越多...

直到我终于面对事实，
那，就是
我失恋了...
原来对他的感情已如此的深...
曾经在一起的快乐时光只能封锁在记忆深处...

胃在痛...
可是我一点胃口也没有...

心还在痛...
我应该会失眠吧

Shopping Frenzy

2007-07-01T14:54:00.000+08:00

Haven't gone for a big shopping for ages.

Last week, i went on a crazy shopping, using cash of course. hehe. It was fun. I almost forgot how fun it was to try out new dress or shoes or accessories. And just to grab everything that i like. *smirk. I am happy at my purchases except i still can't find any nice looking boots here.

First, a little accessory that i order from Japan. *smirk

It's a bracelet la.

Next is this New $20 notes that was issued in commemorating of the 40th Anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei and Singapore.

I bought in on the first day of release at $88, which is in the form of two pieces of $20 notes. One in Brunei currency and another in Singapore's. There were other sets like 3 pieces of uncut sheets selling at $120 and 24 uncut sheets selling at $820.

When these was release, i thought, "Finally, something to show that Brunei and Singapore Currency has the same value before some people had totally forgotten about it."

As some of you may have already know, when we go shopping in Singapore sometimes, some of the stores refuse to accept Brunei currency because they do not believe that Brunei and Singapore have the same currency value. It is inconvenience on our side because we have to go exchange money first beforehand. Hopefully, we can shop easier now. XD

I had missed watching the Simpsons. So i went and bought their Season 8 DVD complete set of 4 DVD. It costs $23 and i only managed to bargain dao $1. It looks original but actually it's not =/.

My Literature lecturer used to tell us that Simpson is a very political cartoon. I just thought it's a cartoon with a sick humour and yet realistic =x. Hmm, thinking of getting some drama set.. A lot of people seems to be watching Prison Break. O_o

Like i said earlier on, i was on a mass shopping last week. So these are some of the clothes i bought during my trip to Bingo, Wild and Winmark. Let's start with Wild first.

I was really attracted to this design at the back of this blouse. Being eyeing it for sometimes now and finally bought it. hehe.

Observe, doesn't it look nice?

Here are a few more from Wild.

This place is surely becoming one of my favourite. Bought until i earn this Discount card keychain thingy. =x Well, another discount "card" to add to my collection.

Here are 2 pieces from Bingo. I really like this dress. It's casual and nice. And the design is made so that one end is longer than the other. See? The right side is longer while the left side is really short.

This little jacket here is another great bargain. I love the design at the back so much that i had to get it.

I didn't plan to buy anything from Winmark. Was only thinking of browsing around but this blouse here is really really damn nice looking. I was standing inside the fitting room, wearing this blouse deciding for hours whether to get it or not cause the price was not cheap =x and finally, i gave in. After buying so much, it doesn't hurt to get one more.

hmm what else what else. Oh ya, snacks. Didn't get that much snacks this time. But was really craving some chocolate. I had the chance to snack on this Arnott Chocolate chips cookies sometime ago in the office and i was hooked. Really hooked. The cookies are sweet and yet not disgustingly sweet as some other cookies are. The chips simply melt in your mouth when you take a bite out of the cookie. It's really the best chocolate chip cookie that i had eaten as at of age. After eating this, i can't eat Chipsmore anymore =/

JJ Lin 林俊杰 - West Side 西界

2007-06-30T17:36:00.000+08:00

My favourite artist, JJ had just released his album yesterday. I had the original cd pre-order from Yesasia a couple of weeks ago and its probably somewhere in the air right now, i hope.

This new song i post on my blog is one of his song title, 西界, which means West Side. Isn't the melody nice? I had waited so long for his album release, although my bro insisted that we waited till our cd's arrival but i was too impatient and had to get the song off the net first.

Lyrics:-
Title: 西界 by JJ

阳光越过窗沿
我在阴影里面
才过正午13点
就漆黑一片
没有人看得见
我心深处的阴暗面

只能眺望东边
你的世界太远
撑到想象的极限
幸福有多甜
可黑夜已吞噬我
就是拉不到你的手

因为我活在西界
只拥有半个白天
一到午后夜色就蔓延
虽然和你面对面
却看不到我的脸
感觉到你不安的视线

在西界的那一边
只能有半个白天
暗自祈祷上天的垂怜
在长夜的边缘
给我一丝光线
让你 能多看我一眼

His other song called 杀手, which means Killer is awesome as well. For those of you who haven't check out his this Killer MV, you should. It's totally different from all his previous style. It's somewhat wicked.. plus a bit creepy in a way but i think it's cool. You gotta check it out.

Support Original!!!

Do spare some time to check out this 杀手 MV as well. It's superb and uncensored. Not easy to find uncensored one you know. Oh ya, one of my favourite song as well. hehe

Transformers, The Movie

2007-06-30T00:52:00.000+08:00

I can't really remember much about Transformers except that they are cars that change into robots. I probably last watch this cartoon when i was really really really young. So I was not planning to watch the movie at all. Cause i feel that i am too old for robots and had grown out of them. Plus looking at the pictures, they look more like "Alien vs Predator" to me than robots

This is one of the reason why:-

However, Zheng had been telling me how great this movie is and that this is the best movie EVER. And JR's enthusiam on the movie is quite catching. Since i had to drive my bro to the Mall at night for his movie date (watching Transformers) with his friends, i thought i might as well go kill time while waiting to pick him.

At 9.15 a.m. on Friday morning, i called the Mall Cineplex. The person on the other line told me to call back at 10 a.m because they are not open. So i called back at 10 a.m. And i had been getting "Semua talian sudah penuh etc etc" means all lines are fill now. This went on until 10.45 a.m. when i finally get through their super "hot" line. I finally got a seat for the 9.45 p.m. show. I was really surprised. It was in the last row some more. Great seat, i thought.

It's pay day. I don't expect to find a parking easily. So i went out at 7+ p.m. trying to find parking space at the basement. There were so many cars that the gate to the basement car park was closed. After taking a few slow and crawly turns, the gate finally opened. I went down to the lower level and easily find a place to park. There were quite a few empty parking available. O_o Why the heck did they close the gate?!

I went around window shopping for a while, licking on my vanilla cone from DQ. I never failed to buy a cone every time i visit the Mall. The movie was delayed. It started around 10 p.m. and ends at 12.15 a.m. And it was a full house.

Anyway, my happiness of getting the last row was cut short when i found that i was seated with 4 guys on my right. They were munching on their pop corns loudly and they even offered me their popcorn. How nice of them -_-"

I was a bit lost at the start of the movie. But WOW, the movie is really amazing! The effect and everything are more than i had expected. The way the cars transform into robot are really natural and look less like CG. Story are good. There are humour in between stories. It's a really must watch movie! I mean, I am not much of a robot type of person but i would give this movie my 2 thumbs up definitely cause really, it's just That Good!

Credit Card

2007-06-05T19:22:00.000+08:00

Today, i feel like talking about... Credit Card.

When i was still a mere student, i used to wish that i could graduate faster and enter into the working world. All because i desire a Credit Card. Two years ago, after i finished my probation at this law firm i am working at now, i quickly go apply for Credit Card at Standard Chartered Bank. Thereafter, from HSBC as well. I thought i was the "proud" owner of three credit cards.

Now, i wish my credit limit was lower and actually regret a little, and even blame the bank (just a tiny bit only) for so easily approve my application on Credit Card.

I had become, what the chinese call 卡奴 . Direct translation would mean Card Slave. Recently, the Taiwan news were discussing on this topic. About how people nowadays are becoming the slave of credit card. They work just to pay off their debts they owed from the Card. My dad called me a Card Slave.

It's really true. About 40% of my income actually goes to my Credit Card payment every month. Looking back... i really can't recall what i had spent that could cause the never ending debts.

I used my card to buy groceries, clothes, books, my brother's things, lunches, online shopping sometime.... =/ ok, perhaps now i remember. haha

Credit Card is evil. This is a fact. And yet people just have to use it. Some use it as to accumulate points. Some just does not have cash in hand (that's me). Some... probably to show off?

Debts are accumulative. One must really control him/herself to avoid becoming the infamous card slave. If you think you are a card slave or on the verge of becoming one. It's time to take action. i.e. self control.

How?

1. Watch what you are spending on. Some only use it during emergencies. If you find yourself using regularly or on a daily basis and that you are unable to pay your balance. You are in big trouble. So, use it during emergencies only ~

2. Control your spending habits. This is easier say than done of course.

3. If you have more than one credit cards in your wallet. it is advisable to bring only one and kept the rest at home. The one you bring should have the least credit limit. Or if can, don't bring any card at all.

4. Before buying that item. Think! Think think think!!! Do you need this? Is this a need or want? Can you survive without this thing?

Just think, how much you could have save from your income if only there is no credit card debts to pay. But no matter how much you have owe the bank, it's better to pay at least the minimum. This is to avoid having being charge with a late fees. Unpaid debts could also got you sued by the bank, then you will need to pay for the legal fees and other costs incurred during the process of recovery.

Anyway, i am now cutting down spending from using credit card. Guess it's rather hard when there are 2 person spending on one card and only one person (me) paying off the bill. =/

迟来的过年卡 - Belated New Year Card

2007-06-03T15:35:00.000+08:00

It's June now. And it was May last month.

Have you ever receive a chinese new year card/new year card in the month of May?

I had the honour of experiencing that 2 weeks ago when i received the card.

Diana passed me the greeting card during our Japanese evening lesson. I stared at the card for a long time and suddenly could not remember what month is it now.

Me: Erm, is this an advanced new year card?
Diana: Oh no, this card is suppose to be from February this year
Me: ?!!

Sze Wei, thanks for the card, although its three months late. But you have written three names on the card. Chances is that, you will probably be back already and i probably haven't had the chance to show the card to Sharlene and PJ. -_-"

Milo Agar Agar

2007-06-03T14:06:00.000+08:00

note: The agar agar is supposed to be double layer

Found this recipe at Kitchen Capers. Generously posted up by the user Sliverfawn.

I had never made agar agar before. As i was grocery shopping at Supa Save last week, i found these cute nice looking jelly mould and decided to use the milo agar agar recipe to try it out.

Why everyone's agar agar looks so nice and the double layer stick together and Why mine can't?! Sigh

Ingredients:

Chocolate layer:-
8 gm agar agar strands
1 3/4 cups water
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup milo powder

Milk Layer:-
10 gm agar agar strands
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup Evaporated milk
a few drops of vanilla essence

Methods:-
For the 1st layer @ milo layers:
1. Cook agar agar with water till agar is dissolved in a low heat.
2. Add in sugar and milo. Stir till everything is dissolved, then strain
3. spoon mixture into prepared tin or into jelly moulds.
4. Allow to set, then lightly scratch surface with fork.

For the 2nd layer:
1. Cook agar in water till dissolved
2. Add sugar and stir till sugar is dissolved, strain
3. Add in evaporated milk and essence
4. Spoon mixture over the first layer and then chill in fridge.

note: If you want to use powder, don't use the same weight as the strands cause the results will turns out to be hard and rubbery (like mine =/ ) . And do remember to scratch the surface before pouring in the milk layer because if not, the layers won't stick. Like me, after finished pouring then remember =x

Onde Onde~~

2007-06-03T12:44:00.000+08:00

Sigh..

Nothing beats sitting in a nice cozy restaurant sipping on a cup of hot tea and sampling on dim sum on a nice, rainy Sunday Morning, at 8 a.m. with friends and colleagues.

I know, i know what some of you are going to say.

"What?! Sunday wake up so early? Sunday is for sleeping you know!"

Well, it's my fault actually, they did not exactly choose to have breakfast at 8 a.m in the morning at Feng Man Lou. It's because i had something to do. Yes, as you can see from the above topic, i had schedule myself earlier on to make onde onde on Sunday morning. I had asked my mom to help me buy grated coconut and sweet potatoes from the pasar. I can't possibly break her little old heart and tell her i no jadi made the kuih after she went to all those trouble to buy it, right?!

Got inspired by this purple onde onde. The colour is natural and looks so damn nice. Can you believe that there is no colouring in it? Unfortunately, i can't find any sweet potatoes that is really purple purple. It's half white and purple-ish.. so the result... u know la. Sigh. Especially after i add in pandan juice.. It become dark green colour. Haha! Ok, colour doesn't matter as long as it taste nice!

The recipe is also adapted from The Baker.

Ingredients for Dough:
350 g glutinous flour
250 g sweet potatoes (purple/orange also can la)
3 tbsp pandan juice
1/2 tsp salt
2 & 1/2 tsp water

Others:
200g gula melaka (chop to pieces)
grated coconut + bit of salt

Methods:
1. Cook and mashed the sweet potatoes.
2. Sieve flour, add in mashed potatoes, pandan juice, salt and water. Knead to form dough.
3. It it's too dry, add in water bit by bit until its a soft dough yet not too sticky.
4. Form dough into small marble sized ball, make a small hole in the middle of the ball and fill it with some gula melaka pieces.
5. Wrap them up nicely and roll them into balls. Make sure the gula does not leak out.
6. Boil a pot of water. Cooked the balls in the boiling water. It's cook when all the balls float to the surface.
7. Take them out (drain) and roll them into prepared grated coconut.

note: if you do not want your onde onde to be too sweet, just add in small pieces of gula melaka. I had replace most of the water with pandan juice when preparing my dough (since i know it wont be purple anymore) and hence, my onde is in green colour. hehe

Very filling now. Ate too many onde onde =x

Debtors - what are they?

2007-05-29T19:03:00.000+08:00

I had never given much thought on the actual definition of the word "debtor" when i studied my accounting a few years ago back in college. To me, this term basically means:

A person who haven't pay

and it is under current assets in the Balance Sheet.

Ever since i started working in this law firm as a debt collector, it is more than "a person who haven't pay". My "dictionary" had amended the definition to:

A person who does not want to pay

The chinese saying is indeed true. 欠钱的还比被欠的嚣张

it means "the person who owe money (debtor) talks louder than the person being owed (creditor)" or something like that.

pity the creditors, really. tsk tsk.

I had seen all sort of debtors from all ages. Some are even younger than me and some are really old. All these debtors had the same thing in common. When they first attended our office for a discussion on payment, first thing that came out of them mouth is:

I didn't use this car. I had never seen this car before!

At first, i believe. But being working for more than 2 years now and had seen thousands of them telling me the same thing. I had stop believing them or do not even care to believe them. Nowadays, whenever any of them use this phrase, i only shoot back

Me: Did you signed the HP Agreement?
Debtor: ... yes... but this car is actually used by XXX
Me: So you knew you are signing the agreement?
Debtor: ......... i may not know what i am signing
Me: Well, if you did signed, then that's your problem, not mine anymore

Another thing that they have in common is:-

Debtor: I am not working. I can't pay. I don't have money.
Me: really? are you paying any debts?
Debtor: of course, a lot
Me: you are paying for household expenses and easi card as well?
Debtor: yes, i have many expenses
Me: So, where did u get the money from?
Debtor: .... adaler

The fact is, some of these debtors are indeed not having a permanent job. But they do odd jobs like renewing road tax, act as an agent for amah (house maid), self catering etc. In other words, they are self employed. Some are actually damn rich but just don't want to pay.

Some of them like to say: "You afraid i don't pay is it? i promise you i will pay! It's my responsibility!"

Normally, those who said this will pay once and then defaulted the next month onwards.

Only yesterday, a debtor's mother called me and want to go to Court to complaint me. She is a bit crack i tell you. First, she goes on to accused me for fixing the hearing date for his son at XX/XX/2007 when i knew his son is not free and i had explained for the thousandth time that i am not the Registrar and i do not choose the date. Later on, she goes on to complaint "I don't understand why you want to bring him to court" Again, for the hundredth time, i explained again that we are taking instruction from our client only. And then you know what the crackpot said?!

Crackpot: In that case, i want you to call your client and ask them to go to Court
Me: ?! If you have something against my client, you will need to find your own lawyer
Crackpot: Why do you keep forcing my son to go to Court?
Me:?! (I was thinking that i don't give a damn whether he go to Court or not)
Crackpot: Why didn't you return my call? I call many times and you did not return my call?!
Me: ?! (hey, its not even 12 hours and my patience is running thin at this point)
You think i sit here with nothing to do?
Crackpot: How can you said that to me?! That is rude and disrespectful (oh wow, she called accusing me earlier on being polite and respectful?) Is that how you treat your client? your customer?! (I had came to believe that she actually thought she is our client.)
Me: You are not our client or customer
Crackpot: You are being rude and disrespectful (repeating repeating). I am going to go to the Court and complaint you. I know who you are (oh ya, for someone who can't even get my name right). You can't said that to me.

So once in a while, some funny debtor like this would turn up because God see that i had been having an easy life. In my opinion, i do not even need to layan her. The hearing is tomorrow. I am anxious to see how she wanna complaint about me =p

O well, this is not the worse, we had some debtors who actually would come and recite His Majesty's Titah. Something about "tidak boleh menyusahkan orang lain" or something like that. In short, he actually means that we should not make him pay. (I must be honest, i am not familiar with His Majesty's Titah.) Some would throw a temper tantrum or recite his/her life history. All that, all that just to get out from paying. Some would even act sick, coughing up a fit there like having some dying diseases.

I have little pity on them because in my opinion, they are people who had obtained loans etc, syok syok and enjoy using up our clients' money and did not want to pay. If they are sincere and really have a problem, i would listen. However, i do not tolerate those who try to find excuses and lies their way through.

Nonya Kaya

2007-05-28T19:43:00.000+08:00

Haven't make anything edible for a long time and i felt this familiar satisfaction and happiness that i haven't felt for a long time when i finish making this kaya. =')

I was really inspired by thelazychef 's kaya when i stumbled upon her recipe quite a while ago while i was still on my hardcore diet. Vow to make this kaya one day after my diet. I finally bring myself to make it yesterday. The recipe was easy and i thought i could not make any mistake with this! The writer had used breadmaker for her kaya making so i was worry for a while when i don't have a breadmaker. I had use the double boiler method and cook at the stove for 2 hours.

Made about 1 cup

Ingredients:
1 cup coconut milk (i used Ayam Brand can la)
1 cup sugar (had reduce to 3/4 cup and it tastes fine)
1 cup eggs (i used 3 large eggs)
3 - 15 pandan leaves (washed and tied in a knot)

Method:
1. Beat the eggs lightly in a bowl.
2. Pour coconut milk, sugar and eggs into a bowl and throw in pandan leaves.
3. Let the bowl stand over a pot of boiling water and over a medium heat, cook it.
4. Mixture will appears lumpy but do not worry, let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring every 15 mins or so.
5. Turn off the heat , let it cool for a while and pour the lumpy mixture into a blender and blend till smooth.

Easiest thing i ever done. You could also blend some pandan leaves and strain some juice to add to the kaya while cooking if you want your kaya to be greener.

I had actually used 3 pandan leaves to cook and in addition, i had add a couple of tablespoon of pandan juices. I like my kaya to have pandan smell. =p

I had reduce the sugar cause my parents don't like sweet. So 3/4 cup of sugar is actually ok for me but they still think it's sweet. really. 老人家难伺候啊！！

Busy Saturday - Lunch @ Excapade - Movie, K-Box & Gym @ Mall

2007-05-19T21:25:00.000+08:00

I believe this is the first "busy" Saturday i had in months!!!

It was fun and make me feel somewhat alive. XD

After work @ 12 plus today, i had lunch with Pei Hwan and Sin Cheah at Excapade. After that, we went to the Mall intending to sing K-Box but went to watch that movie, The Messengers instead.

According to my brother, he heard that this movie is suppose to be scary and very syok. So at sometime before 2 p.m., we went on a detour to the cinema section and check out the schedule (only have about half the intention to watch the movie cause they really wanna sing).

So after weighting out the wants, we choose to do both, meaning to watch movie and then K-box later. keke

Sin Cheah & Pei Hwan with The Messenger advert board

Pei Hwan & Me

Me & Sin Cheah

We syok syok chose the C rows because there was no one sitting in front of us. However, there were a row of ladies behind us and they were screaming all the way. Yes, from the very beginning till the very end. Screaming into our ears and even kick the back of my seat. They must have been very terrified. We were laughing at the beginning because the screaming ladies kind of distract us. But i started screaming from half time onwards . Poor Sin Cheah had to endure screaming coming from both side (she was sitting between me and Pei Hwan) and behind.

The movie is ok ok. Showing at only 1 and a half hour. Mainly focusing the events in the "haunted house". i think production is not that high. There was a lot of "booming" and "creaking" sounds to creep viewers out of their mind. Apart from that, it's typical horror story with close up ghost face or blue colour arms trying to drag the victim down etc.

It's great to be screaming, really. Since everyone behind us were screaming anyway. For some reason, the people in the front row were very calm. Haven't heard them screaming neither did they make any sound. Kind of make me wonder what were they doing 0.o

We came out of the movie at about 3.35 p.m., feeling tired and all because we were holding our breath during the movie and almost having heart attack while trying to prepare our little heart for the "booming" part.

We went to sing a few songs at K-box.

As usual, it took quite some time to chose songs. We sang FIR - Get High. Ya, screaming "GET HIGH" all the way into the microphone. Before we left, we sang another screaming song by JJ called Cao Cao. It's a very syok song. hehe.

singing like a pro

The girls left after that and i went to Gym. Was feeling lazy so i did a little cycling, read the newspaper and attend the Body Jam Class with my brother.

We went to Ideal for dinner after that. Speaking of Ideal. I really want to complaint about their staff. This morning, i called Gadong Ideal (the one across Mall) to ask them what time do they close. The guy who answered my call don't know cannot understand English or what. He passed me to his lady colleague after i repeated for the 2nd time. Upon answering by the lady staff, i repeated my question for the 3rd time (feeling impatient already - come on la, staff don't know what time they close?! don't make me laugh)

Conversation between me & one of the noob

Me: What time do you close
Waitress: We close at 10 (pausing for like 10 secs) Why do you want to know?"

I was stunned and surprised and shocked. I always called restaurants to find out their closing time and this is the first time someone ask why me. After that, the waitress said something more that really kek dao me.

Waitress: But we are closing early today
Me: O.O huh, what time then?
Waitress: We closing at 9 pm today

.......... speechless

Anyhow, we still end of having dinner there. My bro being telling me how good their Belgium Waffle is so i thought i would give it a try. They use gelato instead of ice cream. My bro was a bit upset that they are not using ice cream and commented that their ice cream scoop were smaller. The waffle is hot and nice, with 3 toppings of ice cream, rainbow, durian and chocolate? With chocolate sauce drizzle on them. I wouldn't mind ordering again the next time i go Ideal.

But their customer service needed some IMPROVEMENT!

OMG! Karaoke Competition!

2007-05-18T22:49:00.000+08:00

My firm is having an annual dinner next Friday at Sheraton.

There will a karaoke competition and it's a compulsory that everyone (including all lawyers and secretaries to join)

I am screw. I don't know what to sing. I haven't really practice singing for a long time.. used to go to K-box at the Mall a lot last year until... o well..

I am considering singing some funny song like 对面的女孩看过来 or 浪花一朵朵。。

I borrowed a few old vcd from Patrina and found that the only songs that i think i can sing without going out of tune is JJ - 就是我 or 后来.. Can't find any other song that i can sing. Probably will go check out Unitek for some karaoke disc -_-"

It's either sing a song or perform a dance. I rather choose to sing.

Anyone got any suggestion? I am suppose to hand in my song title by next Tuesday >.<

The South Beach Diet

2007-05-16T20:20:00.000+08:00

I just gained 1 kg. Must have been all the heavy food i had been eating lately.

For instance, Suppers at RMS Diner with my bro after work out and buffets and more buffets. I have to lose back that 1 kg. Therefore, i am starting my South Beach diet again.

I think i never really explain the kind of diet i am on. Let me briefly explain what it is.

This Diet is written by Dr Agatston. Its a low carb and high protein diet. But of course, people are encourage to have a balance diet from other sources of food that does not have major contents of carbs and sugar.

As some of you might have read about my diet log from sometime ago. I admitted mine is not consider a balance diet because i ate the same thing over and over again.

There are actually 3 phases:-

Phase 1: Duration = 2 weeks. You will be eating normal size portions of lean meat, fish, eggs, reduced-fat cheese, nonfat yogurt, nuts, and plenty of vegetables. Snacks and desserts are part of the plan, as well. You are expected to lose about 15 pounds or so. Phase 1 is very important so don't cheat by eating a little bit of cookies or cakes thinking that no harm done. No oatmeals as well and certainly no rice!!!

Phase 2: Things that are forbidden during phase 1 are reintroduce into here. E.g whole grains and fruits. During this phase, losing weight will be slower than phase 1 but you should continue to lose weight until you reach your target.

Phase 3: This is the maintenance phase. You can eat whatever you want as long as it's not over.

So that's what this diet is all about. It really works. I mean most unhealthy diet that i used to be on was either eating green apples 3 days in a row, no eating for one week except drink water... I find this is the most easiest diet ever. I am eating and I am losing weight at the same time. How great can that be.

But if you have try out this diet and you only lost 2 or 3 kg during phase 1. It just means your unwanted fat are not that much and the rest of the fat need to be burn by exercising.

Also, during this diet, you will feel really thirsty because the fat is burning. Don't worry about water retention and drink lots. At least 2 litres a day. It's what i do.

Just google around for South Beach diet and you will usually find lots of information on it like what food to eat during each phase or recommended recipes.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2007-05-13T14:22:00.001+08:00

Happy Mother's day to all the mothers who visit my blog~

Some of us celebrated Mother's day every year to show our love and appreciation to our moms for doing a great job bringing us up. This is the day when we thanks and give something in return to our beloved mother.

A little something about Mother's Day's history , taken from the Wiki.

People in different countries celebrate Mother's Day on different days of the year because the day has a number of different origins. One school of thought claims this day emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. Mother worship — which kept a festival to Cybele, a great mother of gods and the wife of Cronus; was held around the Vernal Equinox Asia Minor and eventually in Rome itself from the Ides of March (March 15 to March 18). The Romans also had another holiday, Matronalia, that was dedicated to Juno, though mothers were usually given gifts on this day. around

In the United States, Mother's Day was copied from England by social activist Julia Ward Howe after the American Civil War. Howe wrote the Mother's Day Proclamation. In the UK, the day now simply celebrates motherhood and thanking mothers. According to the National Restaurant Association, Mother's Day is now the most popular day of the year to dine out at a restaurant in the United States.

We normally celebrated Mother's day by taking my mom out for a nice dinner plus later on give an ang pow (red packet). Last year was a Hi-tea special buffet at Season. This year, i want to do something different so we went to Royal Brunei Airport Restaurant ("RBAR"). Although my brother actually choose Sheraton and i choose Empire.

My parents prefer RBAR because they think it's more quiet. Me and my brother were just aiming for the desserts anyway.

The price for the brunch buffet at RBAR is $25 per pax and carnation and pralines for the mothers. My brother was joking on how funny it would be if they also gave me a carnation O.o

It wasn't easy trying to get a table at RBAR. It was a popular restaurant after all. I called the Restaurant on Friday morning before 9 a.m. and was shocked to find that it was all fully booked. I called back a few times and complaint a little saying how the advertisement for the promotion was only advertised on Friday. So finally they gave us a table. We were happy. They told us to go there earlier to avoid lost of seats. We did not mind going earlier though.

However, when we arrived there at about 11 a.m. , we were told that the Function room was full and they can only arrange for our table outside the function room. I was not very happy about this because we were not being informed that we would be outcast. I firmly told her that my parents would feel uneasy sitting outside. So she went inside, find a spot and place a table with 4 person. =x

It was a nice seat also. Close to the buffet table =p Not too awkward or blocking anyone, but just okay.

I personally think the food is still okay but my brother, being his usual picky self said he expected more from the Restaurant. My mother thinks the desserts are not that good.

I did not bring my camera so i wasn't able to take pictures of the food except using my brother's phone to snap a few pics.

Overall, i am glad that my parents are quite satisfied. I am now feeling ultimately blotted having feasting too much on cakes and desserts and bread puddings.

Fitness Zone : An Official Member

2007-05-11T22:10:00.000+08:00

I joined Fitness Zone and start my work out today.

I also brought along my brother.

There was 2 type of classes to choose at 6.30 p.m. today. Toning Yoga or Groove cycling.

We went to Toning Yoga. According to JR, Yoga is nice and fun. Taking his words for it, me and my bro went to Yoga for the first time today.

It wasn't too bad for me, but not so much my kind of thing. But it's a different story for my bro. Laying less than 2 feet away from me on a yoga mat, he was giving me faces all the way through the 1 hour class + showed me the middle finger. He seems displeased. I don't blame him. All the bending and stretching. =x. Well, he sit there most of the time though, without stretching much.

Our mouth pratically dropped open at the sight of the instructor and some of the more advanced student bend all the wayyyyyyy down. Which is something we would never be able to do in a million years unless risk having our bone break.

The last part of the Yoga is quite nice though. The instructor played a relaxing music, ok, more like the sound of nature and told us to relax and focus on our breathing etc. So we were just laying there and relax to the sound of nature.

You can bet my bro won't be joining any Yoga Class in the near future.

We do not have any trainer yet. According to our consultant, we will only receive our schedule tomorrow.

Spiderman 3 + Capers (Again?!)

2007-05-10T22:16:00.000+08:00

Spiderman 3 was a disappointment. Yup, that's my comment for this movie. Many people had say this movie is not so good while many others think that it's good. I fall under the "not so good" category.

Last night, went to watch this Movie with Jamy & his friends. 10 p.m. show some more. By the time came out of the cinema, it was 12 a.m. already. I was tired and had to walk alone along the dark alley to the place where i parked my car. To top it off, i can't remember where i parked and was wondering around the Mall premises trying to recall where is my car for a good 10 mins.

Before watching the movie, Mr Z had been nice enough to tell me some spoiler.

"Mary Jane died in the movie, she was being rape to death"

Through out the movie, i was expecting her to die or something. I don't really believe the rape part of course. So when the movie came to an end and M.J is still alive, i knew someone had pull a joke on me. -_-"

Why i think it's not so good? It was a bit bored. Not as action packed as i had imagined. The dramatic part of the story was lengthy and almost put me to sleep.

Well, like i say, i belong to the other half of the population that think Spiderman 3 movie is not good. So, please do deter yourself from watching this movie. You might belong to the group who think the movie is absolutely fantastic. =p

Ticket was 50 cents more expensive than usual and comes with a free car sticker.

*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@

I was set on having Tuna and lettuce for lunch today. But during lunch time, someone, namely JR had a sudden craving for Capers. And before i knew it, I am in Capers eating Pasta -_-" with JR and Pat.

There are new menus for the Pasta (an entire new page!!)

Here's some of the new pastas we ordered:-

Linguine Al Amatricana

Linguine Vongole

Ravioli Al Funghi

Fetuccini Al Funghi

Tortellaci Al Pesto

Fetuccini Al Tonno

Ravioli Pollo

Some older dishes that we never failed to order whenever we visit Capers:-

Fetuccini Carbonara

Linguine Alfredo Salmone

Penne Lamb Shank

Lasagne

The 3 of us sure ate a lot today. I seriously suspected we had probably been black listed in this restaurant because sometime when we called for waitress, no one came to attend us or take our order. We were surprised to find out that there is no bread on every dishes today. So we jokingly said that the bread might comes during the tenth dishes, and sure enough, it did. Lasagne was our 10th dishes to arrive, with a bread on top. =x

I intentionally skip dinner tonight though cause i am still feeling quite full from the lunch.

CES Japanese Class Year 3

2007-05-08T19:54:00.000+08:00

** changes made to the song play. I guess most of you are starting to get tired of the same old song being play everyday, hor. XD

Two weeks ago, one of our classmate bring along a cute Japanese girl, Kiwa to join our class. She is one of the exchange student from Japan. I can't remember which part she is from. haha

Here's our group photo together with our Sensei:-

Can you guess which one is Kiwa? or rather, can you spot me? XD

Really, after i saw this picture, only one thing cross my mind. "Gosh, i look like a teacher!"

Why it took me 2 weeks to post this picture?! Cause i just saw it in my mailbox. Thanks to Pei Hwan-chan for sending the pics to me. muakz

Craving for Chocolates

2007-05-07T20:55:00.000+08:00

As can be seen from the above caption, i am craving for some chocolates. But i don't dare to eat Milk Chocolates type cause sugar content is high. So, i went to Supasave and Hua Ho last Weekend and try to find some snacks that is not too bad.

This is what i got from my searches.

Iko is the oatmeal biscuits with high fibre plus a moderate sugar content. It's carbs but then, it's also consider a healthier snack (i hope).

Dark Chocolates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dark chocolates have lesser sugar content compare to ordinary one. Not to say there is no sugar of course. But it's enough to satisfy the craving. Plus i am quite a dark chocolate lover also.

I think i probably hadn't been to the chocolate department for a while, especially after starting my diet.

hmm... i never seen this before. Where had it been hiding up till now?

The Nutrition Facts

This little Hershey bar content 45% cocoa

Found new flavor for Hello Panda biscuit. Cheese!!!! Haven't try it yet. I guess it probably taste sweet and salty?! O.o

Enough say, i am going to go enjoy my chocolates. XD

Life is wonderful with the existence of chocolates, life would be so much different without chocolates XD

My first DIY Birthday Card

2007-05-06T13:11:00.000+08:00

~~Kunyul~~ Harold had his birthday last week. He turned 26.

A little something about this kunyul-

He is the youngest lawyer in our law firm in the conveyancing department, graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nottingham, England in 2004 and obtained his Certificate of Legal Practice from Kuala Lumpur in 2005. He was admitted as an advocate and solicator in Brunei in 2006.

He is a popular guy from Seria, thin and tall with a pretty boy face that everyone absolutely love. He is a super straight forward person and if he sees something that dissatisfy him, he will rant and rant and goes on for what seems like eternity.

The black and white picture above does not really show his pretty boy side cause it looks too formal. Check this picture out though. This was taken a year ago.

Not convincing enough? Here's another pic!

Here's his profile in Friendster if you wanna see more of his pics. keke

He is very talkative as well as a good ice breaker. He is also a good friend who will help a friend in need (i think...). A great Personal Loaner for us to loan $ from when we are flat broke. A generous guy who always belanja us..

He also has tons of friends from different age group. I think Miri is his 2nd home cause he seems to go to Miri on most weekends.

Kunyul is one of our favourite friend. He always addressed me & Pat as his friends/colleague/pok kai.

Although it was a bit late, i managed to make a Birthday Card (for the first time in my life) and gave it to him only a few days ago. Credit to Little Han Han for helping me with ideas ^^

First time DIY a birthday card, of course must take pictures to keep as remembrance.

I always see Nonnie make nice DIY card, feel like trying for myself also. So i grab this opportunity to try making one. XD

My card nice ma? Worth how much if sell in the market?

Me & Pat had actually prepared his present weeks ago and initially planned to treat him to a dinner last Friday. However, he had to cancel the plan last minute due to work.

You had never seen a person celebrate birthday more li hai them him liau. People wedding have wedding dinner about 2 or 3 days. He had been celebrating birthday for one week. Every evening, his friends had to queue up to treat him starting from one week before his birthday till the date of his birthday.

Need legal advise? ring him up but don't mention my name. =p

New Anime - Romeo x Juliet

2007-05-01T19:45:00.000+08:00

Gonzo had done it this time!

The releasing of *Romeo x Juliet!

The Anime is still new. Currently at episodes 2. When i saw this at baka-updates, i knew that i must watch this anime.

I fell in love with it at episode 1 already. At first, i thought it's going to be some hard core, serious dao cannot type of anime. But i was surprised to find the anime to be wonderfully drawn and wonderfully nice.

The opening song use for this anime is from the song "You Raise Me Up" by Westlife but it's in a Japanese version sing by a lady singer (whoever she is). *Please click on the title of the Romeo and Juliet above to access to the official website. The song plays as soon as you log onto the site. Not full version of course.

The singing is nice. It's a must watch for Romeo & Juliet fan. A must watch for non- fan also, ok.

The story is slightly different from the Original Shakespeare play. Of course, the difference does not include Romeo and Juliet's family being good friends and they are living in good terms what.

Warning: Spoiler for Episode 1 ahead! Don't say i didn't warn you!!

The story start off by having Juliet's family, the Capulets who also happened to be the rulers of Neo Verona being assasinated by the Montague (Romeo's family) one night 14 years ago when Juliet was just a small little girl. She was the sole survivor during the incident and does not have much memories of her background. The Montague rules for 14 years after that, never giving up their search on the last of Capulet and to kill her.

Juliet was raised up by disguising herself as a boy though she never understand why and was only told by those who raised her up that she will understand everything when she turn 16. Just one day before she turn 16, she met Romeo. This is when their romance started ... as well as the beginning of a tragedy love. I won't tell you anymore. Just go watch the anime la! haha

When i asked my brother what does he knows about Romeo and Juliet, do you know what answer he gave me?

He said: "Isn't Romeo the guy who wear Hawaii shirt and run around with gun?!" -_-"

Ok, he is talking about Leonardo Dicaprio's role in the old Romeo n Juliet movie.. Really lead people to wrong impression, that movie.

Bah, just go watch, it's really nice and worth your time!

Hardcore Diet - The End

2007-04-30T18:47:00.000+08:00

My hardcore diet had come to an end a couple of days ago. I had successfully lost a total of 2 and a half kg. So now i am in the maintaining mode. XD

Joy!!! i can eat bread, cakes, cookies, chocolates again!! Of course, i won't hamtam all these at a time, i also scare i will gain back the "hard-lost" weight. Once in a while la, once in a while no wrong right? =x

However, i did curi eat a few chocolate balls today.. hope i won't get 1 kg after that =x

Will probably start baking again soon ^^

happy~

Disney on Ice - Finding Nemo

2007-04-28T18:58:00.000+08:00

I think i bought my ticket with Patrina in Supasave about one month ago, spending a long time at the ticketing counter asking the available seatings for various dates and finally decided on a Saturday afternoon (the best seats available that time).

And then less than 2 weeks ago, i received a call from someone i know who offered me 2 free tickets to Disney on Ice. i was very "kek-dao" because i already paid for my ticket at a price of $29 for an afternoon show. Being a honest person, i sadly had to decline the offer. sob.

Anyway, me & Pat were being pour on the head with cold water last Wednesday when some people who had watched the Disney show on Tuesday night gave us some of their opinions.

"It's so bored!"
"It's a waste of TIME!!"
"Sell your ticket!!!"

These were some of the phrases used. We were a little upset at first and were thinking of cheap cheap sell off our ticket but then with such comments flowing around, it's rather hard. So what the heck, since we already paid, we might as well "waste some of our time" watch it. Plus we love all the previous Disney on Ice despite many others commenting how bored they were.

The show started off by having Mickey, Minnie and Donald Duck came out as an introduction (as usual). They are all wearing summer clothes. Donald is so cute! Goofy came out later on in his scuba diving suit.

This is when Nemo goes to School ( i think)

So the fishes indeed were a little.... ok those who watch or saw the picture would understand. It's like a human with a "big and heavy size chest". However, i thought of the possibilty of putting on the mask of the fish head on the performer's head instead and the image that run through my brain isn't looking so good either.

A little close up pic of Dory, the annoying little fish

wah hey! The Shark got 4 legs wei!!!

From far apart, you probably can't see the "legs" of the shark clearly but.... hehehe! It's a little funny. Well, i can't expect them to navigate a huge shark around the skating rink though.. keke

The "fishes" showing off their stunts

The fishes at the Aquarium

Nemo's fin got stuck

There are many effects used in the show. With great lighting and performing type that is never seen in the previous show. For instance, a flying bird that hang from the ceiling and showed up quite a few times during the whole show. The used of big props such as whale, giant goggles, devil fish, turtle, jelly fish etc. Actually, instead of complaining the show is bored or Nemo is looking like a big chest woman, we should appreciate the show more and especially the performer. It's not easy wearing costumes like that and skates for a long time. Plus the moving of all those props from country to country...

These is an example of some of the effects:-

Apart from all those, there are also some fireworks in the beginning. There was an extremely beautiful scene when the whole skating floor is full of pink jelly fishes as well as some hanging from the ceiling. The lighting during that time was blue-ish for the sea and lots of flashes of pink colour. It was really breathtaking.

The Jelly Fishes swarm

I guess this is about the cutest part. When all the "little" came out and started to sing and dance. hehe

This is really cute. This is the part when Nemo's dad tell the little turtle about his sad story.

Big Whale that swallow them up

The Grand Finale

So overall, we didn't think its too bad. It's still worth our money because despite the fact that our seating is in the green box, a little bit further up but i would consider the seat is good. They are just right in front of the stage and in the middle. We could still see the performers very clearly. XD

Souvenirs are bloody expensive. The popcorn
as well! $6 for a small popcorn and $12 for the big bucket. Really Eat Gold.

This is the first time out of all the Disney on Ice show i went that i did not buy a program book. The program book costs $20!!! After roughly flipping through them at the selling booth, i don't feel it's worthy to buy a picture book. Plus i am not that big of a Nemo fan. To be frank, i had never watch Finding Nemo story before.

The Expensive Program Book & the Expensive Pop Corns

Leng Chai Salesman

However, i bought a little turtle that cost $20 -.-" very expensive ya. But it's not my style to come home empty handed as well. I must at least find something cheaper and nice looking to buy as souvenir mah, i know i know, a tiny turtle costing $20 is not exactly what i would call cheap. But i don't wanna buy some cheap plastic toy as well le....

The Little Turtle souvenir that comes with the candy cane & the ticket

So tomorrow is the last day of the show in Brunei le wor. Like i say, the show is actually not bad. So if you are the type that either love Nemo story or simply love Disney because it's Disney, just go watch it. However, if i am not mistaken, the ticketing booth will be closing at 5 p.m. tomorrow. So act fast if those of you want to watch but haven't decide yet.

Oh ya, i do enjoy my time there. XD

Nintendo DS

2007-04-25T20:33:00.000+08:00

Call me Crazy, i think i am crazy.. only less than a week ago, i was looking at some site featuring this Nintendo DS console, thinking "i should get this one of this day".

And today, no, yesterday, i place an Order from someone, not from shop, a pink DS together with an R4 as to enable me to play downloaded games XD

I collected them only less than an hour ago. For B$350.00, i got:
1) One DS
2) Extra Stylus (it's pink colour)
3) an R4
4) 1 GB Micro SD card
5) charger (standard)
6) 30 downloaded games
7) 1 mth warranty
8) 3 mths of unlimited new downloaded games

Crazy huh?! it all started when i went to do facial on Monday and my beautician borrowed me her DS to play. i was hooked. Totally, the graphic is cute, i cannot said its as great as Sony PSP, but Sony PSP is not my type. DS is more my type. I had yet get the screen protector but will soon, probably tomorrow XD

haha~ yipee~

O ho, forgot to update my diet hor. Its almost 2 weeks oredi. a few more days to go. So far, i had lost about 2 and a half kg, still eating and drinking the same thing every days. Tofu, fish, milk, cheese, Tuna etc... Some said i look slimmer.. but i don't know, i just now i got gastric pain yesterday and that i need to go see the doctor. I felt kind of stupid when the Doctor asked me whether i wan MC and i said "no".

Hardcore Diet Day 4 & 5

2007-04-18T18:57:00.000+08:00

Diet is no big deal. I think i am always dieting on and off. Especially after a big meal at Capers or buffet, i will stop eating for a day or 2 and drink tea non-stop.

But... i don't know why i so stupid, wan to go make my life miserable.

This is precisely what i mean.

I don't know why i syok syok always love to stock my brother's room with all sort of snacks and chocolates. Now can see cannot touch. =/

I am in my Brother's room now, using his computer. Ask me why i am not in my own room? Cause my pc too much junks, resulting in laggy-ness. The content of my bro's pc are more neat. so not as laggy as mine.

Ok, here a picture of things that i had been eaten for the past few days. XD.

For some reason, there seems to be a shortage of cheese slices lately. Been to Hua Ho, Soon Lee, all cheese shelf empty. Except Supa Save. But this super slim cheese cost $4.60 >.< hao kui kui!

Day 4 (Yesterday @ Vegetarian Day)

Morning - a glass of low fat milk + 1 hard boiled egg
mid-morning - mixed nuts
Lunch - pan-fried japanese tofu
mid-afternoon - nuts
Dinner - a plate of egg fried long beans + a glass of low fat milk

Day 5 (Today)

Morning - a glass of low fat milk + 2 sausages
mid morning - mixed nuts
Lunch - 1/3 can of tuna with lettuce
mid-afternoon - nuts
Dinner - steamed minced meat + a glass of low fat milk

i think i only lost 1 kg..... sigh. By the way, sausage is a no- no! because it contain starch. i only knew after i ate them. sob

Hardcore Diet Day 3

2007-04-16T21:56:00.000+08:00

ya, i am still alive. I am starting to get use to the taste of low fat milk, eating tuna and lettuce. And trying not to drool over deep fried chicken when Pat & Jia Ren went to Ayamku today while i watched them eating... I had also successfully stop myself from eating the Pineapple Tarts that Zheng brought to office today. I had also successfully suppressed my urge to go to this new bakery shop open at Batu Bersurat. It was very tempting cause they are having a 2 days promotion with buy 1 free 1 items.

Ya, it wasn't easy, seeing all my favourite food in front of me which i can't touch. But how, want pretty got price to pay one =/ Had to also spent a lot of money buying healthier nuts, storing the fridge with cartons of low fat milk, buying cans of Ayam brand tuna in water =/

My meal for today is
Morning - a glass of warm low fat milk & 1 boiled egg
mid-morning - a few mixed nuts
Lunch - Half a can of tuna & more lettuce
Mid-afternoon - more nuts
Dinner - a glass of low fat milk, a plate of pan-fried tofu with steam pork

For the record, i had consume about 2 litres of water today. Never in my life had i drank so much! i was and am really thirsty and would keep drinking and drinking. My lawyer said this is normal because my body fat is burning.

Hardcore Diet Day 1 & 2

2007-04-15T20:15:00.000+08:00

I had decided to be on a extreme diet mode for 2 weeks. No Carbohydrate and sugars intake (trying my best la). This also means i have to give up my baking for a while. And also no chocolates, breads, cakes, cookies, ice creams & all my other favourites. sob. Torture!

Day 1 (Yesterday)

Breakfast - a small glass of milk (low fat)
mid-morning - some peanuts
Lunch - half a slice of steamed mackeral
mid-afternoon - some roasted peanuts
Dinner - egg fried long bean plus a little steamed chicken breast

Day 2 (Today)

Breakfast - no breakfast cos i slept till late
Lunch - steamed tofu with prawn
mid-afternoon - half a can of tuna in water plus lettuce
dinner - steamed tofu with mackeral, a small glass of low fat milk

hungry... =/ can i survive my 2 weeks dieting plan? Will i successfully lose weight? Only god knows

Workout?! or Pigout?!

2007-04-11T23:38:00.000+08:00

i didn't went to gym yesterday because i apparently injured myself (back) from improper use of gym equipment -_-" i can't turn, i can't even bend. It's painful, correction, it was painful.

I was kind of sad cause last night got Latin Aero's class. Heard from Pat that it was fun.

Anyway, i went dinner at Excapade instead with Kunyul, his friend and Sharlene. Eat and drink countless pots of green tea till way pass 10.30 p.m. Whole night talking craps and listen to rubbish. It was enjoyable. i haven't heard people talk crap for too long already.

However, i was feeling better today. So i went to Fitness Zone again. Today's class was Body Combat, doing lots of boxing movement and kicking. Miraculously, after coming out from the class. My now minor back pain had become no pain liau. 0.0

I also did a health check today. Guess what. I am categorised as dangerously, and very dangerously close to obese 0.0 This is not good.!!!! I would never thought i would be categorised under that le. Obese le. Got kidding me or not?! I thought that only applies to Norbit's woman?! Or Fitness Zone's machine got problem?! Hard core dieting now =/

After gym, we ate at Excapade again -_-" 2 nights in a row. wow

Tomorrow won't be going to gym since got evening class

7 Days free trial at Fitness Zone

2007-04-09T21:59:00.000+08:00

I had joined the 7 days free trial at Fitness Zone with effect today.

All i can say is.... body pain, aching as i am typing this post now... =/

Initially, i was planning to go to aerobics at Your Slim at Batu Bersurat but i was invited by Pat to join this free things. Free things of course cannot pass de ma, right?!

So we arrived late, hard to find parking le... Body Jam class had already started so me , Pat and her friend, Katie rudely cut in and stand in line behind the existing people in the "disco-dancing" room. Unlike aerobic classes and dancing classes that i had been to, this is the first time i encountered an disco type of setting, which is a good thing since no one will see how robotic i am dancing =x

Body Jam is quite fun la although i can't really see what is the instructor doing except when she is waving her hand up high, anything below waistline cannot be seen. So i just followed those in front of me hamtam wave here and wave there, turn here and turn there =/

I played with some of those gym equipments, which result in some back pain now.. and after locking myself in the Sauna room for half an hour, i was being told doing Sauna won't lost fat, i would only lost water, the water which i gained back after drinking half a bottle thereafter.

Tomorrow is another back breaking day. Hope i can last 7 days...

After 7 days, there comes the decision of whether to join Fitness Zone or not =/

453 to Join teaching force in govt Schools (Borneo Bulletin dated 3/4/07)

2007-04-03T19:00:00.000+08:00

Nope, it's not the caption that captured my eyes while reading the Borneo Bulletin this morning.

Its the pictures. It's not everyday that i would find familiar faces in the newspaper. Once in a while from wedding photos la.. but apart from them.. still rare. And not just one familiar face but two! two from the same picture. How rare is that?!

Observe the faces that i had circle. They are none other than Wee Ter and Nonnie! Phee Weet~ (trying hard to whistle but failed =/ )

Wah haha~ Nonnie & Wee Ter, good luck in your teaching careers ar. In the future if teach my son or daughter hor, must give higher marks k?! =x

Way Back Into Love - Hugh Grant & Haley Bennet

2007-04-02T20:43:00.000+08:00

I am a person who absolutely love listening to songs. May it romance, rap, rock, just as long as they sounds nice. Anyone ever mention that good music and songs can sometimes bring you to a far away land? (day dream in other words. hehe)

Sometimes the music of a song is so heart warming and nice that you will positively feels like you are in heaven. Perhaps that only happens to me? =P I rarely listen to the lyrics of the song i listen. Probably after repeatly playing the same songs for a couple of times more, the words will slowly absorb into my slow brain.

This song that is currently playing in my blog now is a soundtrack from Music & Lyrics. I think it's really nice. It feels simple and yet so sweet and at the same time, warming.

I sometimes wonder whether i am the only one who can feels so strongly about a certain song? Some songs will make me feel so sad that my mood will drop down to below zero. I am not afraid to share that the fact that the song which always makes me the most sad is "Right Here Waiting". I guess not many people know that. The song is nice, unfortunately every time i heard this song, i can't help but feel sad and sometimes even cry.

I believe everyone at least have some songs that remind them of their happy times and sad times. "Get Down" from the Backstreet Boys's first album would bring me back to the time when i was still in Form 2 in STPRI.

I remembered how i would buy Smash Hits every 2 weeks from Booker or Best Eastern. Never miss le! In addition, i would buy some other US or Canada teen magazines. I spent a lot lot lot of money buying those mags (which i consider useless now).

During those times, Devon Sawa, Boyzone, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, BSB & so many others are what young girls that time talk about i guess. Eh eh, all these celebraties were bloody young and cute during those time ok.

And thanks to that, I am able to earn back a little by selling all those one page size, double pages size and 4 sizes posters of those celebrities. STPRI always let their students set up tables and sale things during the hari raya. Me & a couple of my classmates had a long table full of celebrities poster.

Prices:
1 page size = $1
2 page size = $2
4 page size = $4 - $6 or depend on demand and popularity.

Would you have buy one celebrities poster?! =P

Those were the times... sigh. Can you believe my posters were selling like hot cakes?! During the 3 days sales, i earned B$100+ with 10% contributed to the needy. Nah, you will shake your head in disbelieve!! Say... what happened to my old mags ar?!

Holy, i had gone totally out of topic. See how a song can bring me so far away?!

Actually, the purpose of this post is to put the lyrics here so people who love this song can actually sing along yourself -_-" Anyway, it's a super sweet movie, if you still haven't watch it yet, what are you waiting for?! Go buy the DVD or VCD now!

Finally, here comes the lyrics:-

I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need em again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not somebody just to get me through the night

I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies

2007-04-01T18:29:00.000+08:00

Yay, more brownies. To be frank, i never really think the brownies i tried before was satisfying, hence i am still on the hunt for the perfect brownies. Today, i tried this recipe by Agnes Chang - I Can bake

Unfortunately, my oven went haywire today and did not work properly. 10 mins toward baking my dear brownies, it stop working and probably work again after about half an hour. I can only watched helplessly at my poor brownies rise a little, drop back down again and the left side suddenly shot up like a volcano leaving the other side remaining flat.....

stupid oven... perhaps i should get a new one already?!

The look of my brownies are not so good, however, the taste are still chocolatey and i hope this is what it originally taste like. This brownies is better than my first brownies but i think could be even better though.

Ingredients:-
250g cooking chocolate (broke into pieces)
150g butter
180g soft brown sugar <<< better reduce this to 120g
3 eggs, lightly beaten with
1 tsp vanilla essence 120g plain flour, sifted
120g white chocolate, cut into chunks
120g toasted cashewnut, coarsely chopped
4 tbsp icing sugar, for dusting

Method:-
1. Melt dark chocolate & butter using a double boiler or whatever method you prefer.
2. Stir in brown sugar and add eggs & flour. Mix well until just combined.
3. Fold in white chocolate chunks & cashewnuts.
4. Pour mixture into a 11 in x 7 in square pan & bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 degree celsius for about 30 mins.
5. Cool completely in pan, cut into pieces & dust with icing sugar.

Something happened funny to me while i was melting my chocolate. I used one pack of dark chocolate & halfway melting them, i realised i never check the weight. i went to the discard package & realised it's 200g!!!

Where am i going to get another 50g extra chocolate at this stage now?! So, i used my left over white chocolate & threw them into my "about 90% done melting chocolate" -_-" i reduced the brown sugar to 150g & the brownies still turn out to be too sweet. It's advisable to reduce more.

On a side note, according to my research at whatscookingamerica.net, the write stated that:

Do not over beat brownies and similar bar cookies. Beat just enough to mix the ingredients well. Over beating causes them to rise too much. As they cool, they will then fall, making a cracked surface and a ridge around the outside edge.

Hence, novice brownies maker, do take note hor!! For Experts, i would be grateful if you could leave an advise or two on making the perfect brownies XD

Kolomee (Mom's Recipe)

2007-03-31T17:59:00.000+08:00

My mom's kolomee had never fail to earn praise and lots of thumbs up! It's one of my favourite and once you eat it, you just can't stop!

It's so easy, you can prepare this meal in less than 10 mins!

Ingredients:-
1 pack of Fresh noodles

for the sauce:-
2 tbsp Light Soya Sauce
1 tbsp Sesame Oil
1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
2 tbsp Vinegar
3 tbsp Sweetened Vinegar

a handful of deep-fried red onion (optional)

not sure what sauces are these? Picture shown below here

1. Mix the ingredients for the sauce together and set aside.
2. Boil a wok of water, throw in the noodles and quickly stir for about 10 seconds.
3. Take the noodle out from the wok and lightly wash the half cooked noodles with cold water for a while only.
4. Cook the noodles again for a few seconds and put them into the prepared sauce.
5. Stir & serve

Must try hor!!!

Egg Tarts~

2007-03-31T16:35:00.000+08:00

Wee. It's a public holiday today, so happy. can sleep till noon XD

Today, i baked egg tart XD.

Egg Tart is my little bro's absolute favourite and i had been wanting to bake some myself for a long time. Thanks to my mom, who bought me some tart mould from Miri. 6 of them only costs RM4.50. So cheap! It normally costs about BND0.80 cents per piece here le!

After researching different methods, different recipes and different people's opinion, i had decided to try one. This recipe is obtain from Tazz. The recipe is said to be provided by Saint Honore Cake Shop Ltd. Don't know true or not. I personally never heard of the bakery before la. With the advanced technology now and a very convenience thing called "google", i easily found out what this "popular" bakery. Wah, this company has many many many outlets all over Hong Kong le! Its even more ganas than Lavendar bakery. Saint Honore takes cake order online and i think their cake designs are the cutest XD. See for yourself here!!!

Ok, let's share out this really great recipe hor!

by the way, this are the chinese version of the recipe.

i did my tart the way Tazz did. Instead of rolling out the dough and cut them out. i had simply divided them and press them into the tart moulds.

Ingredients
For 10 medium sized tarts

Tart Shells:-
90g butter, room temperature
40g icing sugar
12g egg
170g cake flour
8g evaporated milk

Egg fillings:-
(half-en them would be sufficient for 10 tarts already)
160g eggs
80g caster sugar
50g evaporated milk
210g water

stir all the ingredients for egg fillings together until well blended and filter twice!!

1. Cream the butter and icing sugar together with a wooden spatula till white and creamy for about 2 to 3 mins.

2. Add in the eggs and evaporated milk. Blend well with step no. 1

3. Lastly, add in all the flour and knead them for a while. Thereafter, chill the dough in the fridge for 1 hour.

4. After an hour, divide the chill dough into 10 pieces and press them into the mould. Make sure the thickness are even and trim off excess dough from the edge.

5. Fill the prepared shells with egg fillings for up till 90% full and arrange them into a baking tray.

6. Bake them in a pre-heated oven at 250 degree Celsius for 15 mins or done.

7. Let the tarts cool and after that, turn the tarts to the side and lightly knock at the bottom to loosen the tarts.

As i do not have cake flour in hand, i did a little substitution. I measured out 170 g plain flour first, scoop 2 tbsp out of them and replaced with 2 tbsp of cornflour. i think the plain flour should be about 150 g after scooping them out.

As for the eggs, in order not to waste hor, i break one A size egg and beat them out first, then i measured roughly 12 g for the pastry. i then break/add another two A size eggs into the remaining egg just now and used them for fillings.

The big size eggs buyable from Hua Ho here is roughly 55g each after remove the shell. So i did the maths and figured i have about 153g of eggs there already so no point in breaking another 55g egg, right -_- It works fine by the way.

By the way, it may be advisable to half the egg fillings because there are more than 50% of left over le! so waste ar.... So either you double the tart shell ingredients or reduce to 50% of the fillings ingredients.

I love my tart's crust to be darker so i bake them longer, at about 20 mins.

My mom love my tart, they didn't think it's too sweet and the crust taste a little like cookie and the egg filling does not taste too strongly of egg either. Considering my first attempt, i think my result is quite good =p

This is definitely a recipe worth trying XD

Cooking Class

2007-03-19T20:23:00.000+08:00

i had done a lot of things over the past weeks so i am gonna divided them into several posts.

i will start off with my cooking class that i had skip until i finally went to attend for the first time on 11 March 07. Can't blame me for being lazy, morning class started at 8 a.m. le & afternoon class started at 2 p.m. i was scheduled to attend the afternoon class. As semangat as i am in learning the art of cooking, i just can't bring myself to climb out of my warm & cosy bed on a Sunday morning at 7+ a.m.! So i had been missing a lot of lessons already until the cooking teacher finally called me up & told me to attend class -_-"

I told her i can't attend the afternoon lessons due to some matters so she asked me to attend the morning class instead. Sigh, morning class ar, means i have to wake up that early on a Sunday le!

My brother keep saying "It's Sunday le. You know what's Sunday for? Its for you to sleep"
My dad, on the other hand commented "your mom already so good in cooking, what for go learn from others again"
My mom " learn other type of cooking also not bad"

So early early i woke up that Sunday, (sigh) and ended up being the first student to arrive O.O

Wahlau eh, apparently, most students will be late but the teacher would go ahead and teach anyway, the late one rugi a little lo.

Ok so the cooking class wasn't exactly what i had imagined it to be. I used to be in the Home Sci club back in STPRI and there were many tables for each students de.. but this.... there is only one long table and we, students here mainly assist (like cracking eggs, cutting meats etc) the teacher in her cooking and see how she do it.

Our lessons:-

Chocolate Cakes

Pizza

Chicken with Cashew Nut
Kiwi Pudding

The recipes our teacher gave us was written in Malay so i have to guess around. hehe
Class ends roughly before 11 a.m. We each took our share home. When i reached home, my bro was still sleeping. 幸福的家伙！！

Next lesson will start on 31 March i think since its school holiday =P